FIFA World Cup 2026 Mexico & Canada Transport

TL;DR Key Tips for World Cup Travelers

• Host Cities & Airports: World Cup 2026 matches in Canada will be in Toronto and Vancouver, while in Mexico they’ll be in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Plan to fly into each city’s main airport (e.g. Toronto Pearson, Vancouver YVR, Mexico City MEX) which are all within ~30 km of the stadiums for convenient airport access.
• Getting to Stadiums: Take advantage of public transit and official shuttles whenever possible. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver offer direct transit to the stadiums (GO Trains, SkyTrain, etc.), and Mexico City has metro/light-rail to Estadio Azteca. In Guadalajara and Monterrey, consider rideshare apps or a World Cup van rental for group convenience, as stadiums there are farther out with limited transit.
• Parking & Traffic: Stadium parking in Mexico is limited (e.g. only ~530 spots at Azteca) and lots fill up fast everywhere on match days. Expect road closures and heavy traffic around venues. It’s often easier to use public transit or rideshares than to drive and park at the stadium, especially in big cities.
• Rental Vans for Groups: If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a van or car can be smart. It lets you all stay together and follow your own schedule useful for visiting multiple matches or cities. Vans and SUVs are in high demand for the World Cup (they’re often the first to get fully booked by groups), so reserve early.
• Arrive Early: On match day, aim to arrive at the stadium at least 1.5-2 hours before kickoff. This gives time for security checks (which open ~90 minutes pre-game) and avoids last-minute crowds. It also lets you enjoy any Fan Fest areas and ensures you’re in your seat well before the action starts.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Overview in Canada and Mexico

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest ever, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico the first time three nations share the tournament. There will be 104 matches played in 16 cities across North America. While the majority of games are in the U.S., Canada and Mexico each host a significant share (13 matches each) in their major cities.

In Canada, matches will be split between Toronto and Vancouver, marking the first men’s World Cup games ever played on Canadian soil. Canada will host 13 games total Toronto is set for 6 matches (including Canada’s opening game) and Vancouver for 7 matches (including a Round of 16 knockout). In Mexico, 13 games will be divided among Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Notably, historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is slated to host the tournament’s opening match, becoming the first stadium to host World Cup games in three editions (1970, 1986, and 2026).

For traveling fans, this tri-nation World Cup presents exciting opportunities but also logistical challenges. The host cities in Mexico and Canada are far apart, and international travelers may need to plan flights, ground transportation, and possibly border crossings if they intend to attend matches in multiple countries. Fortunately, each host city has modern infrastructure, airports, and transit options to help fans get to the games. Below, we focus on the Mexico and Canada host cities, detailing how to get from the airport to the stadium, how to navigate each city on match days, and when it makes sense to rent a vehicle for your group.

Which Canadian and Mexican Cities Are Hosting Matches

Five cities in Mexico and Canada will stage World Cup 2026 matches:

• Toronto, Canada BMO Field: Toronto’s lakeside soccer stadium (capacity ~45,000 after expansion) will host six World Cup matches. It’s centrally located at Exhibition Place, giving fans a taste of Toronto’s skyline and waterfront.
• Vancouver, Canada BC Place: This downtown Vancouver stadium (capacity 54,000) with a retractable roof will host seven matches. Known for its fan-friendly atmosphere, BC Place is right in the heart of the city’s entertainment district.
• Mexico City, Mexico Estadio Azteca: A legendary venue (87,000+ seats) that will host the World Cup opener. Renamed “Estadio Banorte” for the tournament, Azteca is in southern Mexico City and will be the first stadium to host World Cup games in three different tournaments.
• Guadalajara, Mexico Estadio Akron: A modern 49,850-seat stadium in Zapopan (outside Guadalajara), famously designed to resemble a volcano. Estadio Akron (called “Estadio Guadalajara” during the Cup) is set to host four matches, including a Mexico group game.
• Monterrey, Mexico Estadio BBVA: A striking, new 53,500-seat stadium in Guadalupe (Monterrey area), known for its mountain backdrop. FIFA will refer to it as “Estadio Monterrey” in 2026. It will host four matches (three group games and a Round of 32 knockout).

Each of these cities offers a distinct experience from Canada’s vibrant, multicultural urban centers to Mexico’s passionate football hotbeds. Below we’ll dive into how to get to these stadiums once you’re on the ground, but first, let’s look at getting there from the airports.

Closest Airports to Stadiums in Each Host City

International fans should plan to fly into the closest major airport for their match city, to minimize ground travel. Here are the primary airports and their distance to each World Cup stadium in Mexico and Canada:

• Toronto, Canada BMO Field

  • Closest Airport: Toronto Pearson International (YYZ)
  • Distance: ~27 km (17 mi)
  • Drive Time: ~25-30 minutes
• Vancouver, Canada BC Place

  • Closest Airport: Vancouver International (YVR)
  • Distance: ~13 km (8 mi)
  • Drive Time: ~20-30 minutes
• Mexico City, Mexico Estadio Azteca

  • Closest Airport: Benito Juárez International (MEX)
  • Distance: ~23 km (14 mi)
  • Drive Time: ~20-40 minutes (traffic varies)
• Guadalajara, Mexico Estadio Akron

  • Closest Airport: Miguel Hidalgo International (GDL)
  • Distance: ~32 km (20 mi)
  • Drive Time: ~40-45 minutes
• Monterrey, Mexico Estadio BBVA

  • Closest Airport: Monterrey International (MTY)
  • Distance: ~23 km (14 mi)
  • Drive Time: ~20-30 minutes

All of these host airports offer extensive international and domestic connections. For example, Toronto Pearson (YYZ) is Canada’s busiest hub with direct flights from around the world, and Vancouver (YVR) is a major Pacific gateway. In Mexico, Mexico City’s MEX airport is one of Latin America’s busiest, while Guadalajara and Monterrey also have numerous U.S. and international flights.

Pro Tip: Plan to arrive a day or two before your match if possible. This gives you buffer time in case of any flight delays and lets you acclimate to the city. Each of these airports has on-site car rental centers and plenty of ground transport options (taxis, rideshares, shuttles) to take you into the city.

How to Get to Each Stadium: Public Transit, Rideshare, and Rental Van Options

Once you’ve arrived in your host city, you’ll need to get from your hotel or the airport to the stadium on match day. Each city has different transportation options here’s a breakdown by city, including public transit routes, rideshare tips, and driving considerations (especially if you’ve rented a van or car).

Toronto (BMO Field) Getting to the Stadium

Public Transit: Toronto has excellent transit links to BMO Field. The GO Transit commuter train is one of the best options Exhibition Station on the Lakeshore West line is literally a 2-3 minute walk from BMO Field’s gates. GO trains run frequently from Union Station (downtown) to Exhibition. The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) also runs streetcar lines right to the stadium: the 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst streetcars terminate at Exhibition Loop adjacent to BMO Field. Additionally, the 29 Dufferin bus connects from the Bloor-Danforth subway line down to the Exhibition grounds. On game days, these services are typically beefed up to handle crowds. Expect packed trains and streetcars immediately before and after matches, but they are a very convenient way to avoid traffic.

Rideshare/Taxi: Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis operate throughout Toronto. A rideshare or taxi from downtown to BMO Field is a quick trip (usually 10-15 minutes without traffic). The rideshare pick-up/drop-off zones are usually along Princes’ Blvd or Manitoba Dr near the stadium. After the game, you might consider walking a few blocks north to Liberty Village or east toward Bathurst Street before hailing a ride this can help you avoid the most congested areas right by the stadium (fans report it’s easier to get an Uber if you walk 10-15 minutes away from the immediate venue area). Toronto police often direct post-game traffic, so be prepared for minor delays getting picked up. Still, rideshare is a viable option, especially if you’re in a small group or want door-to-door service from your hotel.

Driving & Parking: If you’ve rented a car/van or are driving, BMO Field is easily accessible by road. It’s right off the Gardiner Expressway, the main east-west highway through Toronto. From Pearson Airport (YYZ), it’s about a 23 km drive that can take ~20-30 minutes via highways 427 and Gardiner when traffic is light. On match days, however, plan for extra time Toronto traffic can be heavy, and there may be road closures around Exhibition Place during World Cup events. Parking is available in several lots at Exhibition Place and Liberty Village. Do note that parking prices surge during major events event parking near BMO Field can cost $30-$40 CAD. Many locals actually park a bit further away in the Liberty Village area and walk 10-15 minutes to avoid post-game gridlock. If you plan to drive, it’s wise to book a parking spot in advance (some apps and websites allow pre-booking in nearby lots). Keep in mind that after the match, exiting these lots can be slow due to the volume of cars. If you’re in a large van, ensure the parking lot can accommodate oversize vehicles.

Vancouver (BC Place) Getting to the Stadium

Public Transit: Vancouver’s public transit is highly efficient and the recommended way to get to BC Place. The SkyTrain rapid transit is your best bet: both the Expo Line and Millennium Line stop at Stadium-Chinatown Station, which is only two blocks from BC Place. If you’re coming from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or the southern suburbs, you can take the Canada Line to Yaletown-Roundhouse Station, then walk about 10 minutes to the stadium. TransLink (Vancouver’s transit agency) has announced it will run extra frequent SkyTrains on match days to handle the crowds. Additionally, bus routes 3, 8, 19 and others service stops along Main Street and Cambie Street near BC Place. A popular bus is the 005 along Cambie St., which stops just a short walk from the stadium. Many fans might also choose to simply walk if they’re staying downtown BC Place is centrally located, about 1.2 miles from Canada Place and the downtown core (roughly a 20-25 minute walk through safe, scenic streets). Walking or biking along False Creek is a pleasant way to arrive amid the fan atmosphere.

Rideshare/Taxi: Vancouver has Uber and Lyft, plus taxis, widely available. A taxi or Uber from most downtown hotels will only take ~5-10 minutes to BC Place (the stadium is that close to many central areas). There are usually designated rideshare pickup zones around the stadium (for instance, on Pacific Blvd and Expo Blvd on the north side of BC Place) to manage traffic. Using a rideshare can be very convenient if you’re coming from outside the downtown transit network or carrying a lot of gear. Prices may surge around event times, but splitting the fare with a group can make it reasonable. One tip: after the match, consider lingering downtown for a bit (grab a bite or drink) to let the crowds thin out, as Uber/Lyft rates and wait times will be highest immediately at the final whistle. Vancouver police will likely have traffic control in place, but overall the city’s traffic is not as chaotic as some larger cities.

Driving & Parking: If you plan to drive, be aware that downtown Vancouver traffic can be slow on event days and parking near BC Place is limited and expensive. There are numerous parking garages and open-air lots within a few blocks (expect to pay $25-$50 CAD for event parking downtown). It’s crucial to secure parking in advance if driving some lots allow reservations, or your hotel might offer event parking (check with them). Coming from YVR Airport, the drive to BC Place is ~13-15 km and can take 25-30 minutes by car in good traffic. From the suburbs, major routes like Highway 1 and 99 feed into downtown. Keep in mind Vancouver is taking measures to manage World Cup crowds certain streets around the stadium might be pedestrianized or restricted on match days. If you’re driving a rental, ask about event-day road closures at your hotel or check local announcements. Many locals will opt not to drive, so as a visitor with a car you’ll be contending mainly with other out-of-towners and rideshare drivers on the road. In short, it’s possible to drive to BC Place, but transit is usually the far less stressful choice for this city.

Mexico City (Estadio Azteca) Getting to the Stadium

Public Transit: Mexico City’s transit can get you all the way to Estadio Azteca if you’re up for a bit of a ride. The most popular route is to take the Metro (Subway) Line 2 to its southern end at Tasqueña Station, then transfer to the Tren Ligero (Light Rail) which runs directly to Estadio Azteca Station. This light rail drops you right outside the stadium gates. The metro + light rail combo is very affordable (a few pesos) and avoids road traffic. The light rail from Tasqueña to Azteca takes only ~15 minutes, with trains about every 10 minutes. Before the match, expect trains to be absolutely packed with fans but that can be a fun, communal experience. Another transit option: public buses and minibuses. Several bus routes go toward Azteca; one known route leaves from CETRAM Tasqueña (the same area as the metro terminal) and goes to Tlalpan y Estadio Azteca, with buses every ~5 minutes. The bus ride is around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Keep an eye on official info the city often adds special express buses for big games. Overall, if you’re comfortable with Mexico City’s transit system, using the Metro and light rail is a reliable and cheap way to reach the stadium while skipping road congestion. Just plan for crowding and possibly long lines at Tasqueña when leaving (many thousands of fans will be doing the same thing).

Rideshare/Taxi: Many fans in Mexico City will opt for taxis or rideshare (Uber, Didi, Cabify) to get to Azteca. Uber is widely available and considered safe in Mexico City for travelers. A drive from central areas like Polanco or Centro Histórico to Estadio Azteca (located in the Coapa area) might take around 30-60 minutes depending on traffic without traffic it could be ~13-20 minutes, but on match day it will be longer. Plan for significant traffic jams on the Periférico and Calzada de Tlalpan (the main arteries to the stadium) as you approach kickoff. It’s wise to leave very early or, alternatively, take an Uber to somewhere near a light rail station (like to Tasqueña or to Huipulco) and then train in for the last mile. If you do take an Uber/taxi all the way, drivers will know to drop you a few blocks away from the stadium when it’s gridlocked you can walk the rest. After the match, getting an Uber right at Estadio Azteca can be tough due to cell service jams and driver availability. A smart strategy is to walk away from the immediate area (even 10-15 minutes north toward Villa Coapa or a nearby mall) before hailing a ride, to avoid the sea of vehicles. Also note: the Mexico City government may set up authorized taxi zones at the stadium; using those (or pre-arranged private transport) can be safer and smoother amid the chaos.

Driving & Parking: Driving in Mexico City is an adventure on normal days on a World Cup match day, be prepared for an epic traffic battle if you choose to drive yourself. Estadio Azteca is about 15-20 km south of the historic center (Zócalo) by road. In free-flowing traffic that’s under 30 minutes, but at peak times it could be well over an hour. If you have a rental car or van, you’ll likely take the Anillo Periférico (beltway) or Calzada de Tlalpan toward the stadium. The stadium parking itself is very limited: only around 530 on-site parking spaces are available. These are typically reserved for VIPs, officials, or permit holders during major events. The lots open 4 hours before kickoff, but they fill extremely quickly. For most fans, this means you won’t be parking at the stadium complex. Instead, you might find unofficial paid parking lots in the neighborhoods around the stadium locals often open up yards or use nearby open areas to park cars for a fee. If you go this route, ensure it’s a legit operation with security. Parking far and riding the light rail for the last part can be a good compromise (for example, park near Xochimilco or Tasqueña where parking is easier). Keep in mind, after the match, traffic will be at a standstill leaving Azteca. Police sometimes hold cars back to prioritize pedestrians and buses. Don’t be surprised if it takes over an hour just to start moving out of the vicinity. In summary, unless you have a compelling reason to drive, consider using the plentiful public transport or a hired driver in Mexico City it will save you a lot of hassle.

Guadalajara (Estadio Akron) Getting to the Stadium

Public Transit: Out of all the host cities, Guadalajara’s stadium is one of the trickiest to reach by public transport. Estadio Akron is located on the far western edge of the metro area (in Zapopan), and it’s not directly served by the light rail system or a single rapid transit line. To get there by transit, most fans would have to take a combination of the light rail (Tren Eléctrico) plus bus transfers. For example, you could ride Guadalajara’s Line 1 or 3 train to a stop like Periférico, and then catch a bus out toward the stadium. Several bus lines do go to the Akron vicinity routes such as T02, Tlaquepaque-Colón, C109, etc. have stops within a short walk of the stadium. In fact, the closest bus stop (at Av. Colón) is about a 7-minute walk from Estadio Akron. However, taking buses can be slow; reports say it can take over an hour via bus connections from central Guadalajara to the stadium. Because of this, many fans will likely skip public transit and choose rideshare or car for this venue. The local authorities have hinted at special shuttle buses for World Cup matches to help ferry fans from central locations or park-and-ride lots directly to Estadio Akron. Keep an eye out for official announcements as the tournament approaches a dedicated shuttle could dramatically simplify the journey. But if no shuttle and you want to use transit, be prepared for multiple transfers and allocate plenty of time (and consider going very early to avoid missing kickoff).

Rideshare/Taxi: Uber, Didi, and Bolt are widely available in Guadalajara and are generally inexpensive and reliable. For most visitors, calling an Uber or taxi will be the easiest way to reach Estadio Akron. On a normal day, driving from downtown Guadalajara to the stadium (around 20 km distance) might take about 30-40 minutes. On match day, expect congested roads leading to the stadium especially Av. Vallarta/Guadalajara-Tepic highway and the Periférico loop road which could push the drive to an hour or more if you leave late. Drivers will likely drop you as close as they can; there’s a defined drop-off area near the stadium entrance. One pro tip from locals: Arrive early and consider having your Uber drop you a few blocks short of the stadium to avoid getting stuck in the final traffic bottleneck. You can walk the last stretch and often get there faster than sitting in gridlock. After the game, rideshare demand will skyrocket and surge pricing is common. To improve your chances, walk away from the immediate stadium zone some seasoned fans recommend walking to a landmark like the Centro Comercial Plaza Galerías or even further, such as towards Periférico, to request your Uber once you’re out of the most congested area. This also helps avoid drivers canceling due to the jam. Another tip: if you’re comfortable, you can hail one of the city’s traditional “libre” taxis after the match they’ll be around, but negotiate a fare first (and note that locals warn against the unmetered yellow cabs; sticking with Uber/Didi is usually safer). Overall, rideshare is the recommended way to go for most foreign visitors to Akron it’s straightforward and cheap when splitting the fare. Just plan for the ride back to take a while as thousands of cars exit the area.

Driving & Parking: If you have a rental car or van, driving to Estadio Akron gives you flexibility but comes with the challenge of traffic. The stadium is situated off the highway to Tepic, beyond the ring road. It’s roughly 30 km (19 miles) from Guadalajara’s city center, about a 40+ minute drive in ideal conditions. As you approach the stadium, local police will direct cars. Parking at Estadio Akron includes a mix of official lots and overflow areas on surrounding land. The stadium does have on-site parking, but it’s not huge and fills up. Fans often mention that exiting the parking lots is extremely slow “bumper-to-bumper traffic” for a long time after the final whistle. Regular attendees sometimes choose to either leave a bit early (sneak out at the 85th minute if the result looks decided) or linger after the game (enjoy the atmosphere, let traffic thin). If you do drive, consider that strategy so you’re not just sitting in your car for an hour. Also be alert: pedestrians will flood the streets after the game, so driving requires caution. For those coming from Guadalajara’s airport, note that it’s on the opposite side of the city a drive from the airport to Akron is ~45 km and can take over an hour. In short, a car is handy if you’re doing more around Guadalajara, but for just the match, many will find a car more of a headache. Make the choice based on your schedule (and whether you mind possibly being stuck in stadium traffic jams).

Monterrey (Estadio BBVA) Getting to the Stadium

Public Transit: Monterrey has a decent public transit network, and importantly Metrorrey (the metro) can get you close to Estadio BBVA. You can take Metrorrey Line 1 to its eastern terminus at Exposición Station, which is in Guadalupe. From Exposición, Estadio BBVA is about a 10-minute walk you’ll actually see the stadium as you arrive, since it’s quite close. Many fans will likely use this option, as the trains can carry large crowds and you avoid traffic jams. The metro fare is cheap (around 5-6 pesos). Just be prepared for crowded trains, especially after the match when everyone heads back to the city. Besides the metro, numerous local bus routes serve the area around the stadium. For instance, buses running along Avenida Pablo Livas and Avenida Las Torres have stops near BBVA. Some known routes that pass by are Ruta 223, Ruta 213, and others that go into Guadalupe. If you’re not familiar with Monterrey’s bus system though, the metro is a simpler choice. The city may also run special event buses or expand metro hours for World Cup matches check closer to 2026 if late matches are planned, as the metro usually stops running around midnight. Given BBVA’s location in a suburb, having the metro line there is a big plus for fans on a budget or those staying downtown without a car. It’s about a 25-minute metro ride from central Monterrey (e.g., from Fundadores station) to Exposición.

Rideshare/Taxi: Uber and other rideshare services are very popular in Monterrey and will certainly be heavily used for getting to BBVA. From central Monterrey (e.g. the San Pedro or Centro area) to the stadium is roughly a 15-20 km drive. Travel time by car can be as quick as 20-25 minutes with light traffic, but on match day, especially if 50,000 people are converging on Guadalupe, expect it to take longer. Still, many fans will find an Uber or taxi to be a convenient door-to-door solution. Local taxis also operate from hotels and key spots ensure you use official sitios (cab stands) or have your hotel call one, to be safe. One great thing: Estadio BBVA was designed with modern events in mind, so it has fairly organized traffic flow and designated drop-off/pick-up points. Rideshare drivers will likely meet passengers in the areas just outside the main gates (there are lots outside the stadium for drop-offs). After the match, as usual, surge pricing and wait times may spike. It might help to wait a bit or walk a short distance (maybe toward a known landmark like Plaza La Silla or along Av. Livas) before hailing your ride. The Monterrey metro could also be used in one direction for example, you could Uber to the stadium to arrive fresh, then decide to take the metro back if traffic looks bad, or vice versa. Overall, Uber is reliable in Monterrey and a solid choice for visitors not wanting to navigate roads themselves.

Driving & Parking: Estadio BBVA is relatively car-friendly compared to some older urban stadiums. It’s located along major roads in the suburb of Guadalupe. If you have a rental car or van, driving there is straightforward the stadium sits by Av. Pablo Livas, which connects to Monterrey’s main highways. From Monterrey International Airport (MTY), it’s about a 22-minute drive (14.4 miles) directly west to the stadium. From downtown, you’d typically take Constitution Ave. east which becomes Miguel de la Madrid Highway, then to Pablo Livas. Parking at BBVA: The stadium complex has sizeable parking areas about 3,500 spots on-site. However, note that many of these are pre-allocated (in normal Rayados games, season ticket holders often have parking passes). For the World Cup, FIFA and sponsors might use a lot of the on-site parking. Still, additional public parking lots exist in adjacent areas around Parque La Pastora and near the highway. Arrive early to snag a decent spot. The venue is in a more open area, so traffic will be heavy but somewhat managed. As mentioned in an analysis of the stadium, drivers should plan ahead buy parking passes if available, or scope out lots like those at Nuevo León’s Parque La Pastora next door. After matches, expect a wait to exit if you’re in the big lots. One alternative some fans do: park farther away along the Metrorrey line (like near a station with parking) and then just ride the train in. But if you do drive, the good news is you won’t face the same level of chaos as, say, Azteca or Akron the roads are wide and there are multiple routes out. Just be patient and follow police directions when leaving.

When Is Renting a Van or Car a Smart Choice?

With so many transportation options, you might wonder if you should rent a car or van for your World Cup trip. The answer depends on your itinerary and group size:

• Traveling in a Group: If you’re with family or a group of friends, renting a van can be very cost-effective. Instead of buying multiple transit tickets or coordinating several Ubers, everyone can travel together. In fact, during major events like this World Cup, SUVs and vans are the first vehicles to get fully booked by groups, highlighting how popular they are for families and larger parties. Splitting the rental and gas cost often beats paying for 4-5 separate Uber rides or train fares, especially for airport transfers and sightseeing days.
• Flexibility and Comfort: Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to go wherever and whenever you want. This is great if you plan to explore beyond just the match. For instance, in Mexico, you might want to drive to Teotihuacan when in Mexico City, or take a day trip to Tequila when in Guadalajara. In Canada, you might fancy a drive up to Whistler from Vancouver, or Niagara Falls from Toronto. A car lets you customize your schedule without being tied to transit timetables. It’s also handy for hauling luggage (or souvenirs!) international travelers with lots of bags may prefer driving straight from airport to hotel.
• Multiple City Itineraries: Some die-hard fans will attempt to attend matches in multiple host cities. If you’re one of them, a rental car can make sense within each country. For example, someone might catch a game in Mexico City, then drive to Guadalajara (about 6 hours) for another match. Or in the U.S., fans might road-trip between close cities. In the case of Canada and Mexico: the host cities aren’t very close to each other (Toronto-Vancouver is over 4,300 km apart, a 40+ hour drive, so flying is the only practical option there). In Mexico, the drives are long too (Mexico City to Monterrey is ~10 hours). So you wouldn’t drive between Canada and Mexico, but renting in one country for local use can be beneficial. For example, a group could rent a van in Mexico for a week and drive from Mexico City to Guadalajara (with some sightseeing stops en route) this turns travel into an adventure and saves on multiple airfare. Just ensure you’re comfortable with local driving conditions.
• Stadium Accessibility: Consider the ease of reaching the stadium with and without a car. In cities where stadiums have limited transit (like Guadalajara’s Estadio Akron), having a car or van might save you from a 1+ hour convoluted bus journey. Similarly, if you’re staying in areas not well-served by transit (e.g., a suburban Airbnb), a car becomes more valuable. On the other hand, for downtown-focused trips (like staying in central Vancouver or Toronto), you might not need a car at all due to excellent transit. It could be smart to rent a car only for the days you need it for instance, rent on the day of a match in Guadalajara or Monterrey, but not in Mexico City where the Metro can suffice.
• International Travelers: Both Canada and Mexico are used to foreign visitors driving. Rental agencies are at all major airports. You can typically rent with your home country driver’s license (an International Driving Permit is not required but can be useful if your license isn’t in English/Spanish). For Mexico, basic insurance is mandatory check if your credit card covers rental insurance or consider buying the coverage for peace of mind. For Canada, winter driving won’t be an issue in June/July, but do remember Canadians drive on the right side (same as U.S. and Mexico). Fuel is relatively cheaper in the U.S./Canada than in some countries, and in Mexico gas is reasonably priced and stations (“Pemex”) are plentiful on highways.

Overall, renting a vehicle is a smart choice if your priority is maximum flexibility or if you have a sizable group to move around. It really shines for those who want to do more than just shuttle between hotel and stadium you can turn your World Cup trip into a broader vacation. Just be sure to reserve vehicles well in advance. With millions of visitors coming, rental cars will be in huge demand; industry experts warn that cars could sell out months ahead for these dates. So, lock in that minivan or SUV early if you decide you need it. And remember, if you only need a car for part of your trip (say a day trip outside the city), you can always rent just for that day instead of your whole stay.

Sample Itineraries: Flying In, Rental Pickup, and Stadium Route

To put all the pieces together, let’s walk through a couple of sample travel itineraries one for Canada and one for Mexico illustrating a smooth journey from arrival to the match.

Itinerary 1: Flying into Toronto for a Match at BMO Field
Morning/Afternoon: You arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on the day before the match. After clearing immigration, you head to the car rental center at the airport (all the major rental companies have counters there). You pick up a 7-passenger van you reserved months ago it’s perfect for your group of five friends, with plenty of room for luggage and the cooler of snacks you plan to bring. Once everyone’s loaded up, you drive out of Pearson around 2 PM. Following Highway 427 south and then the Gardiner Expressway east, you reach downtown Toronto in about 30 minutes (traffic is moderate). Your hotel is in the Entertainment District, about 3 km from BMO Field. You park at the hotel (they offer guest parking for a fee) and spend the evening exploring the city.

Match Day: It’s game day! Kickoff at BMO Field is 7:00 PM. You decide to use a mix of transit and driving today. In the late morning, you and your friends drive the van to do some sightseeing a trip out to Niagara Falls (about 1.5 hours away) knowing you’ll be back by early afternoon. Sure enough, by 3 PM you’re back in Toronto. Rather than deal with stadium parking, you choose to park the van at a GO Train station along the Lakeshore West line in the suburbs (for example, Port Credit station, which has ample parking). From there, you all hop on the GO Train with an event-day group pass. By 5 PM, you arrive directly at Exhibition Station, right next to BMO Field. The atmosphere is already buzzing. You’ve arrived early, so you wander the nearby Exhibition Place fan zone and grab some food truck poutine. Around 5:30-6:00 PM, you enter the stadium with no stress, find your seats, and soak in the pre-match warm-ups. After the thrilling match ends around 9 PM, you consider your options. The night is nice and you’re not in a rush, so instead of squeezing onto a packed train, you and your friends walk east along the waterfront for 20 minutes, enjoying the Toronto skyline views, then catch an Uber in a less crowded area to take you back to your parked van. By 10:30 PM you’re driving back to the hotel, avoiding most of the post-game traffic. This itinerary let you enjoy Toronto, handle a side trip, and get to the match smoothly by combining a rental van for flexibility with public transit to avoid stadium traffic truly the best of both worlds.

Itinerary 2: Flying into Mexico City for a Match at Estadio Azteca
Day Before: You land at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) around midday, two days before the match. You decide not to rent a car immediately in Mexico City due to the notorious traffic. Instead, you take an authorized airport taxi or Uber to your hotel in the Polanco district. You’ll pick up a rental car later for the next leg of your trip (you plan to drive to Guadalajara after the Mexico City match). For now, you enjoy Mexico City’s sights (perhaps the Zócalo, museums, tacos al pastor in Condesa) using Uber and the Metro no need for a car yet.

Match Day: It’s the day of the big game at Estadio Azteca, kicking off at 6:00 PM. You and your three travel buddies have an early lunch and then set out around 3:00 PM to beat traffic. Your strategy is to use a mix of transit and rideshare. From your hotel, you walk a couple blocks to the nearest Metro station and ride Line 7 and Line 2 to get to Tasqueña Station by 3:45 PM. The metro is busy but manageable at this hour. At Tasqueña, instead of squeezing onto the light rail with the masses, you have a different plan: you booked a private shuttle van service that Mexico City organizers are running for World Cup ticketholders (this is hypothetical, but likely!). You find the clearly marked shuttle loading area, and by 4:00 PM you’re on a comfortable, air-conditioned van directly to Estadio Azteca’s perimeter. By 4:30, the shuttle drops you steps from the stadium it uses a special route to bypass some traffic. Arriving a full 90 minutes before kickoff means security is a breeze (they’re checking tickets and bags, but lines are short) and you have time to explore the concourse. You visit the stadium’s famous pitch-side tunnel museum and grab a cerveza and torta ahogada. The match is electric, ending in a dramatic win.

Post-game about 8:00 PM, you stick around in your seats for a bit, reveling in the atmosphere and avoiding the initial rush. At 8:30, you exit. The streets are crowded with celebrating fans. Instead of trying to get a ride at the stadium, you and your friends walk about 20 minutes north to the Periférico boulevard, where traffic is moving again. Here, you open the Uber app prices are high due to demand, but you secure a ride after a couple of tries. The Uber takes you back to your hotel in about 40 minutes, as by now the worst jam has dissipated. The next morning, you head to pick up your reserved rental SUV from a downtown agency. You’ll now embark on a road trip to Guadalajara (a ~6 hour drive) for another match there in a few days. For that journey, the freedom of a car will be great you plan to stop in towns like Tequila and see some scenery on the way. In Mexico City itself, though, you were glad you didn’t try to drive to Azteca. By using transit and an event shuttle (and a bit of walking), you avoided sitting in a two-hour traffic jam and made it to the game with plenty of time.

These itineraries show how you can mix and match transportation modes to suit your needs. Major events require some planning, but by thinking ahead (and giving yourself extra time), you can enjoy the World Cup matches without transportation hassles.

By planning your transportation with the above tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Mexico and Canada. Whether you’re cheering in Vancouver’s BC Place with mountains on the horizon or in Mexico City’s iconic Azteca among 87,000 fans, you now have the knowledge to get there smoothly leaving you free to focus on the football and the once-in-a-lifetime World Cup atmosphere!

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