The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a historic tournament hosted across three North American countries. As I research the venues, one stadium that stands out is the beautiful Estadio Akron in Mexico. This magnificent venue will host multiple matches during the tournament, bringing international soccer to the heart of Jalisco.
Today, I want to share everything you need to know about this impressive stadium, from its capacity and location to its history and role in the upcoming World Cup.
The Basics of Estadio Akron
Estadio Akron is located in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, in the Mexican state of Jalisco. The stadium has a seating capacity of 48,071, making it one of the largest stadiums in Mexico. The playing field measures 105 x 68 meters, which meets international standards for professional soccer matches.
The stadium serves as the home ground for C.D. Guadalajara, also known as Chivas, one of Mexico’s most popular and successful soccer teams. Guadalajara fans are passionate about their team, creating an electric atmosphere during matches. The club follows a unique policy of only signing Mexican players, similar to Athletic Bilbao in Spain.
Estadio Akron features excellent facilities, including 133 executive suites for VIP guests. The venue can accommodate sunny, cloudy, or rainy weather conditions, with moderate shadows across the field. The stadium switched from artificial turf to natural grass in 2012 after receiving criticism from players about the playing surface.
History and Name Changes
The stadium has an interesting history that dates back to 2004 when C.D. Guadalajara announced plans to construct a new home venue. Construction began in May 2007, but financial issues delayed completion for several years. The stadium finally opened on July 30, 2010, at a cost of approximately US$200 million.
Estadio Akron hasn’t always had its current name. It was originally called Estadio Omnilife from 2010 to 2016. Then it became Estadio Chivas from 2016 to 2017, before receiving its current name after a sponsorship deal with Akron, a Mexican energy company.
For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA sponsorship rules will require another name change, temporarily rebranding it as “Estadio Guadalajara” during the tournament.
The stadium was designed by a talented team including Jean Marie Massaud and Daniel Pouzet for the concept design, Populous (formerly HOK Sport) as sports architects, and VFO architects as the architect of record. Their collaboration resulted in a modern, visually appealing venue that has become a landmark in the region.
Estadio Akron and the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will be special for many reasons. It will be the first tournament to feature 48 teams (expanded from 32) and the first since 2002 to be hosted by multiple nations. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Estadio Akron will play a significant role in this historic event, hosting four group stage matches on the following dates:
- Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Thursday, June 18, 2026 (featuring the Mexican National Team)
- Tuesday, June 23, 2026
- Friday, June 26, 2026
This makes Estadio Akron the Mexican stadium with the most group stage matches during the tournament. Mexico will host a total of 13 matches during the World Cup: 10 in the group stage and 3 in the knockout phase. The other Mexican venues are Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.
Architecture and Design Features
Estadio Akron stands out as a magnificent piece of architecture in Mexico. The stadium is part of the JVC complex and owned by Amaury Vergara. Its modern design makes it instantly recognizable, and the facility provides an excellent viewing experience for spectators.
The stadium underwent an important upgrade in 2012 when its controversial artificial turf was replaced with natural grass. This change came after criticism from many notable players who preferred playing on natural surfaces. The switch improved the playing conditions and brought the stadium up to international standards.
The venue offers fantastic amenities for both players and fans. With a capacity of nearly 49,000 spectators, Estadio Akron creates an impressive atmosphere for matches. The design allows for excellent visibility from all seats, ensuring that every fan can enjoy the action on the field.
Notable Events at Estadio Akron
Throughout its history, Estadio Akron has hosted several significant events beyond regular league matches. One of the most important was the first leg of the 2010 Copa Libertadores final, where Guadalajara faced Internacional. Although Guadalajara took the lead through Adolfo Bautista, Internacional came back to win 2-1, eventually claiming the trophy with a 5-3 aggregate victory.
Another memorable match occurred in July 2010, known as the “Chicharito friendly.” This exhibition game between Guadalajara and Manchester United celebrated Javier “Chicharito” Hernández’s transfer from his hometown club to the English giants. Interestingly, Hernández played the first half for Guadalajara and the second half for Manchester United. He scored for Guadalajara, who won the match 3-2.
The stadium also hosted all soccer matches during the 2011 Pan American Games, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies of this major international event. Beyond soccer, Estadio Akron has welcomed other sports, such as the boxing match between Canelo Álvarez and John Ryder on May 6, 2023.
Exploring Guadalajara
Guadalajara is often considered the cultural center of Mexico, making it an excellent destination for World Cup visitors. The city is famous as the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, two iconic elements of Mexican culture. Tourists can enjoy numerous festivals throughout the year that showcase music, art, film, and, of course, tequila.
The city offers a fascinating blend of modern amenities and historic charm. Visitors can explore diverse neighborhoods, sample delicious local cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality of Jalisco. The vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage make Guadalajara an ideal backdrop for World Cup matches.
For soccer fans planning to attend games at Estadio Akron in 2026, the surrounding area provides plenty of entertainment options. From traditional markets to contemporary art galleries, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic Mexican city.
Comparison to Other World Cup Venues
When compared to other 2026 World Cup stadiums, Estadio Akron is mid-sized. The largest venue for the tournament will be AT&T Stadium in Dallas, with a capacity of over 92,000. MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, which will host the final, holds 82,500 spectators.
In Mexico, Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is larger than Estadio Akron, with a capacity of 87,523. This iconic venue will host the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. The third Mexican stadium, Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, has a capacity of 53,460.
Despite not being the largest stadium in the tournament, Estadio Akron offers excellent facilities and a fantastic atmosphere. Its modern design and passionate fans will make it a memorable venue for the 2026 World Cup.
FAQs
1. What is the exact capacity of Estadio Akron?
The stadium has a capacity of 48,071 seats for soccer matches. Some sources list a slightly higher figure of around 49,813, but the official World Cup capacity is expected to be approximately 48,000 spectators.
2. Where exactly is Estadio Akron located?
Estadio Akron is located in Zapopan, a city adjacent to Guadalajara in the Mexican state of Jalisco. The precise coordinates are 20°40′54″N 103°27′46″W.
3. Which team calls Estadio Akron home?
C.D. Guadalajara, commonly known as Chivas, plays its home matches at Estadio Akron. The club is one of Mexico’s most popular teams, with a 2016 study suggesting that 44.1% of soccer fans in Mexico support Chivas.
4. How many matches will Estadio Akron host during the 2026 World Cup?
Estadio Akron will host four group stage matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making it the Mexican stadium with the most group stage games in the tournament.
5. What was the original name of Estadio Akron?
When the stadium opened in 2010, it was called Estadio Omnilife. It was later renamed Estadio Chivas in 2016 before becoming Estadio Akron in 2017.
6. When did construction begin on Estadio Akron?
Although the stadium was announced in February 2004, actual construction didn’t begin until May 2007 due to financial problems and other issues. The venue finally opened on July 30, 2010.
7. What type of playing surface does Estadio Akron have?
Estadio Akron originally had an artificial turf playing surface, but this was replaced with natural grass in July 2012 following criticism from players who preferred playing on grass.
8. Will Estadio Akron change its name during the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, due to FIFA sponsorship rules, the stadium will be temporarily renamed “Estadio Guadalajara” during the 2026 World Cup.
9. What major events has Estadio Akron hosted besides soccer matches?
Besides soccer, Estadio Akron hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2011 Pan American Games and a boxing match between Canelo Álvarez and John Ryder in May 2023.
10. How much did it cost to build Estadio Akron?
The construction of Estadio Akron cost approximately US$200 million, which equals about $288 million in 2024 dollars.
