Last reviewed: June 2026
Estadio Azteca in Mexico City hosts the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on 11 June. The stadium is one of the most famous football grounds in the world, with a capacity of approximately 87,500 - the largest venue in the tournament. This is the transport guide for UK fans reaching Estadio Azteca.
Key facts
- Estadio Azteca is at Calzada de Tlalpan 3465, Santa Ursula Coapa, in the south of Mexico City.
- Mexico City Metro Line 2 (Blue Line) has a Tasquena station - from there a tram (Tren Ligero) runs to Estadio Azteca.
- The Metro is the fastest and cheapest way to travel in Mexico City - a single ride costs MXN 5 (approximately 20p).
- Uber and Didi operate extensively in Mexico City and are considered safe alternatives to street taxis.
- The stadium hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals - Diego Maradona's Hand of God and Goal of the Century both occurred here.
- June in Mexico City has an average temperature of 20-24C - more comfortable than the USA venues in summer.
Getting to Estadio Azteca Mexico City for World Cup 2026
Getting to Estadio Azteca from Mexico City centre is straightforward on public transport. The stadium is located in the south of the city in the Santa Ursula Coapa area, accessible by Mexico City Metro and the Tren Ligero light rail. The stadium has a legendary status in world football - it hosted the 1970 World Cup final (Brazil vs Italy), the 1986 final (Argentina vs West Germany), and was the stage for both of Diego Maradona's famous goals against England in the 1986 quarter-final. For UK fans, a visit to the Azteca is a direct encounter with football history.
Mexico City Metro and Tren Ligero
The Mexico City Metro (Sistema de Transporte Colectivo Metro) is one of the largest urban rail networks in the world, serving the entire metropolitan area with 12 lines. A single ride costs MXN 5 (approximately 20 pence at typical exchange rates) and the system is reliable and air-conditioned. To reach Estadio Azteca, take Line 2 (Blue Line) to Tasquena station at the southern end of the line. From Tasquena, the Tren Ligero (light rail, Line 1) runs south to Estadio Azteca station, directly adjacent to the stadium. Total journey time from the historic centre is approximately 40 to 50 minutes. The Tren Ligero fare is also MXN 5.
Uber and Didi
Uber and Didi (the Chinese ride-hailing equivalent, widely used in Mexico) operate extensively in Mexico City and are generally considered safer than hailing street taxis. From the Historic Centre (Zocalo area) to Estadio Azteca takes approximately 25 to 45 minutes by car depending on traffic. Mexico City traffic can be severe - the Metro and Tren Ligero are immune to surface congestion and often faster on match days. Uber fares from central Mexico City to the stadium are typically MXN 100 to 200 (approximately GBP 4 to 8).
From Mexico City Airport (AICM / NAICM)
Mexico City is served by two airports. Benito Juarez International Airport (AICM), the older airport, is approximately 13 kilometres from Estadio Azteca. Terminal 1 and 2 are connected to the Metro system (Line 5, Terminal Aerea station). From the airport, take Metro Line 5 to Pantitlan, then transfer to Line 2 toward Tasquena, then the Tren Ligero to the stadium. The Felipe Angeles International Airport (NAICM), further from the city, is connected to the city by the suburban rail Suburbano service - check current connections for match-day travel.
The Azteca: Football History for UK Fans
The Estadio Azteca has a unique claim in British football history. The quarter-final of the 1986 World Cup between England and Argentina on 22 June 1986 took place at this stadium. Diego Maradona scored both goals in Argentina's 2-1 victory - the first with his hand (later described as the Hand of God) and the second, rated by FIFA as the Goal of the Century following a 60-metre dribble through the England defence. For UK fans visiting the Azteca in 2026, the stadium carries this specific historical weight from that match forty years earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Estadio Azteca from Mexico City centre by public transport?
Take Metro Line 2 (Blue) to Tasquena station, then transfer to the Tren Ligero (light rail Line 1) to Estadio Azteca station. Total journey from the historic centre is approximately 40 to 50 minutes. The fare for each leg is MXN 5 (approximately 20p).
Is Estadio Azteca the largest stadium at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Estadio Azteca has a capacity of approximately 87,500, making it the largest venue in the 2026 tournament. The stadium previously hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.
What is the famous match at Estadio Azteca involving England?
The 1986 World Cup quarter-final between England and Argentina on 22 June 1986. Diego Maradona scored two goals in Argentina's 2-1 victory - the first with his hand (the Hand of God) and the second after a 60-metre dribble described by FIFA as the Goal of the Century.
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