Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, will be renamed Guadalajara Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This change follows FIFA’s strict commercial regulations, which prohibit the use of corporate sponsor names for tournament venues.
Popularly known as the “Zapopan Volcano,” the stadium serves as a centerpiece for a city making football history. This tournament marks the third time the capital of Jalisco will host a global football event, signaling its long-term commitment to modern technology and world-class infrastructure.
The local administration chose the Zapopan venue, which seats 46,355 spectators and features one of Latin America’s most innovative designs. This selection follows the city’s previous roles in the 1970 and 1986 World Cups.
A volcano covered in grass inside and out
French architects Jean Marie Massaud and Daniel Pouzet designed the stadium’s organic shape, while VFO Arquitectos—who also built Monterrey’s BBVA Stadium—executed the technical work. A 21,600-square-meter (25,833 sq yd) natural grass berm surrounds the structure to blend it into the landscape and provide thermal insulation. This cooling is essential, as local temperatures frequently reach a peak average of 34°C (93.2°F) during June and July.
The project required an initial investment of US$200 million. It incorporated advanced engineering solutions, including a 3,300-ton roof. This structure functions as a giant rainwater harvesting system. The design provides autonomous irrigation for the playing field.
The schedule and Colombia’s appearance
Guadalajara’s schedule focuses on regional impact, highlighted by the Mexican National Team’s second group match under Javier Aguirre. The tournament begins at the venue on June 11, when South Korea faces the Czech Republic to launch the event in western Mexico.
On June 18, Mexico returns to the pitch to face South Korea, aiming to secure vital points in front of a home crowd. Colombia then plays its third Group K match on June 23, facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s “Leopards.” Finally, Guadalajara hosts its last match of the tournament on June 26, featuring a high-profile Group H clash between Uruguay and Spain.
The stadium’s infrastructure
To ensure international certification, stadium administrators implemented fundamental technological and logistical upgrades. A key update is the installation of hybrid turf, engineered to endure back-to-back matches during the tournament. This surface is supported by a fully renovated drainage system to ensure optimal pitch conditions regardless of weather.
In terms of hospitality and services, the stadium has expanded its VIP and press areas to accommodate media from around the world. The connectivity infrastructure supports 4K broadcasts over 5G networks, while security remains a top priority: the original design ensures that the entire stadium can be evacuated in less than eight minutes.
The city’s experience with large-scale events
Guadalajara is one of the 16 host cities selected in the historic partnership between Mexico, the United States, and Canada as part of a joint effort to offer luxury experiences and modern accessibility. In its nearly 16 years of existence, the venue has hosted artists such as Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Coldplay, and even Colombian singer Shakira during her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.
With accessibility in mind, the stadium includes 208 exclusive spaces for spectators with disabilities and more than 5,000 parking spaces to facilitate the flow of visitors. The tournament will serve as an unparalleled sporting showcase and generate significant revenue of 6.9 billion Mexican pesos (approximately US$397 million) for the state of Jalisco.
The selection of the “Volcan de Zapopan” reaffirms the region’s capacity to host world-class events while securing a lasting legacy of elite sports infrastructure for future generations of Mexican fans.