Mexico
World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup takes place in Mexico, the US and Canada from 11 June to 19 July 2026. If you are travelling to attend:
- sign up to get email updates on travel advice for Mexico
- download the official FIFA World Cup 26 app (on iOS and on Android), and check the official World Cup 2026 website to stay informed of anything that might affect your travel or plans whilst in the Mexico
- entry requirements, and local laws and customs, will be different for each of the countries co-hosting the tournament. If you are planning to visit or transit through more than one country, check the Travel advice page for each country
In Mexico, matches will be hosted in Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey. Expect other cities and popular tourist destinations across Mexico to be busier than usual during the tournament. Before travelling between cities, check the Travel Advice for your route, and be aware of restricted areas and surroundings.
Visa and entry requirements
Check the entry requirements for Mexico, especially information on passport validity and visa requirements.
If you are planning to visit or transit through more than one country, including the use of land borders, check the entry requirements and Travel Advice page for each country. You may need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the US.
Immigration Officers may request to see proof of your accommodation, return flight and visit plans. They may also conduct an interview.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance for the full duration of your journey. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
You should take out comprehensive travel and health insurance before you travel, which covers medical treatment, hospitalisation and medical evacuation. Make sure your insurance is appropriate for your activities and covers the full duration of your stay.
There are public hospitals in Mexico, but their capacity is limited, as is the availability of equipment for specialised treatments.
Match tickets and stadium entry
Only purchase tickets through the official FIFA ticketing platform; no tickets will be sold at stadiums. To enter the stadium, you will need an official ticket on the FIFA World Cup app. Printed copies or screenshots may not be accepted at stadium gates. Each ticket is linked to the purchaser’s details, and ID checks may be required upon entry.
Tickets sold on unofficial resale websites, social media, or through third-party vendors may not be genuine. Fraudulent tickets can look legitimate but may be rejected at the stadium gate, leaving you without entry on match day. Some scammers sell the same ticket to multiple buyers or resell tickets that have already been voided by FIFA Ticketing. Even if a ticket scans at the gate, you may be denied entry if it is flagged as invalid or already used. Unofficial sources often inflate prices significantly, especially for high-demand matches like play-offs or rivalry matchups without any guarantee of authenticity.
Ensure you check the stadium’s code of conduct for any match you are attending. This sets out what you can bring into the World Cup stadiums.
Check the official FIFA World Cup 2026 ticketing page for more information.
Ensure you check the FIFA World Cup 2026 app for any match you are attending. This sets out what you can bring into the World Cup stadiums.
Accommodation
There will be very high demand for accommodation. Plan ahead to ensure you have accommodation during your stay. You may be required to show evidence of your accommodation to immigration officials on arrival.
Transport to and from the events
Transport routes around the stadiums will be very busy during the tournament. Some venues will be a considerable distance from the host city with varying travel options. You can visit the official World Cup fixtures page for more information on the venues for each match.
Local authorities may ask you to enter or leave the stadium by specific routes. Make sure you:
- plan your journey ahead of time
- leave plenty of time for journeys, particularly on match days
If you’re using public transport, consider how you will pay:
- Mexico City’s public transport system accepts contactless payment and cash
- Guadalajara’s public transport system does not accept contactless payment. You can pay with cash or with a special card purchased in stations
- Monterrey’s public transport system does not accept contactless payment. You can pay via App Urbani or a card that you can purchase in local shops
If you’re planning to hire a car, or to use taxis or public transport in Mexico, check the Safety and security page for more information.
There are likely to be increased police checks during the World Cup. Ensure you have your original identification document with you and be prepared for delays.
Drink-driving
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Mexico and checkpoints are often set up. If you’re caught driving under the influence of alcohol, penalties include fines and short-term detentions.
Fan zones and public viewings
During the World Cup 2026, the FIFA Fan Festival will be the central fan destination for local communities as well as fans from around the globe.
The FIFA Fan Festivals in Mexico will be hosted in Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.
There will be a set of Fan Zones and Public Viewing Areas across Mexico. There may be restrictions on what you can take into football viewing venues and live viewing areas, and restrictions may vary between states.
Check the official World Cup 2026 website for information about FIFA Fan Festivals and the individual locations.
Laws and cultural differences
Mexico may have different laws and cultural differences from the UK. Check the ‘Laws and cultural differences’ section on the Safety and Security page.
You should carry your passport with you, especially when travelling from state to state via bus or car. Immigration officers do not accept copies or photos of documents. If protests take place, follow the instructions of local authorities.
Drugs, alcohol and smoking regulations
The laws relating to the consumption and purchase of alcohol and drugs can differ between states and countries.
The national legal age for drinking alcohol in Mexico is 18. It is illegal to drink in public places, including outside restaurants, theatres and stadiums. Doing so could lead to a £200 fine or arrest.
It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and solutions into Mexico or to buy and sell them.
See more advice on the Safety and security page.
Support for British Nationals
If you need support from the FCDO, including if you are hospitalised, arrested or lose your passport, see our Getting help page.
LGBT+
Read the advice for LGBT+ travellers in Mexico on the Safety and security page.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Hurricane season runs from June to November. Read the advice on the Safety and Security page for information on extreme weather and natural disasters. This includes hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, wildfires and volcanic eruptions.