Guadalajara is the birthplace of tequila, mariachi, and the Mexican hat dance. It is also home to Club Deportivo Guadalajara — Chivas — one of the most passionate football clubs in Latin America. When the World Cup comes to Estadio Akron in 2026, it arrives at a city that already knows how to celebrate the game.
Getting to Estadio Akron
Estadio Akron is in Zapopan, a suburb in western Guadalajara, about 12 kilometres from the city centre. It is the home of Club Chivas and seats 46,000.
By car: The most practical option. The SITUR Periférico ring road connects the stadium to the city centre in 20–30 minutes without traffic. Ride-sharing services (Uber operates widely in Guadalajara) are reliable and affordable.
By light rail (Tren Eléctrico Urbano): Line 1 and Line 3 of the Guadalajara metro system run to points within reach of the stadium. Check updated route information closer to the tournament.
From Miguel Hidalgo International Airport (GDL): 20–30 minutes by car. Uber is widely available from the airport.
Best Fan Bars in Guadalajara
La Fuente (Downtown): Historic cantina operating since 1921. The original football bar experience in Guadalajara — wooden bar, cold beer, screens for big matches. A Tapatío institution.
Bar Américas (Chapultepec): The Chapultepec neighbourhood sports bar. Reliable screen setup, good micheladas, popular with local supporters clubs during tournaments.
La Cervecería de Barrio (Andares): Modern Mexican seafood restaurant that transforms into a football venue for major matches. Good food to accompany the game.
Cantina La Fuente (Centro Histórico): The classic Guadalajara cantina experience. Order tequila with a beer chaser and watch what the locals ordered.
Where to Stay in Guadalajara
Providencia: The upscale residential and dining neighbourhood. Walkable, excellent restaurants, safe, and well-connected. The best base for most visitors.
Chapultepec: Slightly more bohemian than Providencia. Independent cafés, concept stores, and bars along Avenida Chapultepec. Excellent neighbourhood feel.
Centro Histórico: The historic centre with the Cathedral and Teatro Degollado. Good budget options, atmospheric, and central. Noisier than residential neighbourhoods.
Tlaquepaque: Artisan village incorporated into greater Guadalajara. Cobbled streets, galleries, handicrafts, and excellent restaurants. 20 minutes by Uber from the stadium.
Neighbourhoods Worth Your Time
Tlaquepaque: The most charming area in the Guadalajara metropolitan zone. Browse ceramic workshops, hammered metal shops, and galleries. Have lunch at Casa Luna or La Fonda de la Noche.
Centro Histórico: The Cathedral, the Teatro Degollado, and the Cabañas Cultural Institute (a UNESCO World Heritage Site with murals by José Clemente Orozco). Required.
Chapultepec: The weekend street market on Avenida Chapultepec is worth visiting. Handmade goods, street food, and live music.
Tequila (day trip): The town of Tequila is 60km west. The blue agave fields, distillery tours at Herradura or José Cuervo, and the ride on the Tequila Express train make for an outstanding day between matches.
Food You Cannot Miss in Jalisco
Birria: Guadalajara's defining dish. Slow-cooked goat (or beef) in a rich chile broth, served with tortillas and a consommé for dipping. La Birriería de la Calle 13 and El Chololo are local benchmarks.
Tortas Ahogadas: The Guadalajara sandwich. A crusty roll stuffed with fried pork, then drowned in spicy tomato sauce. Served at street stalls throughout the city. Try them at Tortas Toño or at the Mercado San Juan de Dios.
Pozole: Hominy corn soup with pork, garnished with radish, oregano, and lime. A celebration dish in Jalisco. El Parian in Tlaquepaque serves an excellent version.
Tejuino: The traditional Guadalajara street drink. Fermented corn masa, lemon juice, salt, and a scoop of nieve de limón (lime sorbet). Cold, slightly funky, genuinely refreshing in the June heat.
Tequila at source: Order reposado rather than blanco if you want to taste what Jalisco actually produces. Visit Casa Herradura in the town of Amatitán for the definitive experience.