How To Combine Mexico And US Host Cities At The 2026 World Cup
Three Mexican host cities, two US Texas cities. The cheapest international football trail at the 2026 tournament.
Combining Mexican and Texas host cities is the cheapest international football trail at this tournament. Monterrey to Dallas is a 1.5-hour flight — or a 6-hour drive if you want the experience. Mexico City to Houston is 2 hours in the air. The food on both sides of the border is incredible. And the fan culture is alive in a way that no other trail in the tournament matches.
Five cities. Three countries' worth of atmosphere. One transatlantic flight from the UK. This is the route most British fans are not planning, which means it will also be the least saturated with British fans — a feature, not a flaw.
What Are The Mexico Host Cities For The 2026 World Cup?
Three: Mexico City (Estadio Azteca, now officially Mexico City Stadium), Guadalajara (Estadio Akron, in the suburb of Zapopan), and Monterrey (Estadio BBVA, in the suburb of Guadalupe). Combined they host around 13 matches. Mexico City has 5 including the tournament opener. Guadalajara has 4. Monterrey has 4.
Between the three Mexican cities, you have a genuine Mexican football culture trail — different cities, different fan identities, all deeply passionate about the game in ways that pre-date the commercialisation most UK fans are used to.
How Do You Travel Between The Three Mexican Host Cities?
Mexico City to Guadalajara: 1 hour by domestic flight, $40-70 on Viva Aerobus or Aeromar. There is also a bus option (ADO Primera Plus, 6 hours) that is comfortable and cheap — around $25-40. If you have time, the bus through central Mexico is worth doing once. If you do not, fly.
Guadalajara to Monterrey: 1.5 hours by flight, $60-90. The overland bus is 11 hours and a full overnight — manageable but not ideal for anyone watching football. Fly.
All three cities have international airports. All three have competent Uber coverage within the city. All three have cost levels significantly below US host cities — a good meal in Guadalajara or Monterrey costs $8-12 USD. A beer in a bar is $2-3 USD. Budget accord