The Three Lions head to Mexico City! Here's the ultimate guide to this vibrant capital, with affordable hotels near the stadium, the best spots to watch the beautiful game and where to get a pint

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• 82p pints, £160 package holidays and travel agents on every high street: How Brits holidayed in 1986 - as England return to Mexico's iconic Azteca Stadium after 40 years
• The Three Lions head to Mexico City! Here's the ultimate guide to this vibrant capital, with affordable hotels near the stadium, the best spots to watch the beautiful game and where to get a pint
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By ERIN DEBORAH WAKS, TRAVEL WRITER

Published: 12:04 BST, 2 July 2026 | Updated: 12:52 BST, 2 July 2026

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As the Three Lions prepare to take on their opponents in Mexico City, many England fans will be getting ready to travel overseas to join them in the stadium.

Like the players warming up, supporters heading out to watch will be scrambling to organise their boarding passes, book hotels and find the best spots to watch the football upon arrival.

England will take on Mexico in the last 16 of this year's FIFA World Cup – and it's set to be a dramatic game. 

The teams will play each other at 6pm (1am BST) on Sunday, July 5 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. 

As such, British Airways saw a 2,000 per cent spike in searches yesterday for flights from London to Mexico City (CDMX), with a 530 per cent increase between 6pm and 7pm, as England fans' confidence soared when Harry Kane scored his two match-winning goals. 

To lead you through the football festivities in CDMX, we've compiled the ultimate guide to travelling in the bustling hotspot: where to stay, what to do, where to eat and drink and – most importantly – where to watch the beautiful game. 

Where to watch the football

With capacity for up to 50,000 fans, Zócalo Square is one of the best spots in the city to watch the games

England fans have flocked to the FIFA Fan Festival destinations to support the national team

Aside from watching matches live, the best place to enjoy the action is, of course, a pub or sports bar – and Mexico City has some vibrant spots from which to kick back with a cold pint.

Roma Norte is one of Mexico City's most buzzing neighbourhoods, and is full of places showing live sports.

Cervecería de Barrio has rowdy crowds, making it the ultimate destination for big sports fans – perfect if you want to get in on the action.

Salón Ríos is an equally amiable spot, as is Torito Sports Bar Insurgentes, of which one visitor wrote: 'It is exactly what you would expect from a Mexican Sports bar. It has lots of TVs on the wall, the food is wings and burgers, and the people that watch here are enthusiastic about their teams.'

Salon Corona (ranked the best football bar by World Cup Hub), The Living Room and, of course, Patrick's Irish Pub are other equally great spots. 

The biggest public viewing destination is Zócalo, the Official FIFA Fan Festival spot – and it has a capacity for more than 50,000 fans.

Where to stay near the stadium 

Located in the southern part of Mexico City, this budget-friendly hotel has all the comforts you might require.

Plus, the World Cup stadium is just 3km away – making it easily accessible if you're attending a match.

This modern hotel is just minutes away from the Estadio Azteca – as well as close to the Six Flags Mexico amusement park and the city's main shopping centers.

It's a great choice for football fans, and there are deals available for those booking a stay.

For travellers after a hint of luxury, Punto Lofts offer gorgeous modern apartments only a short drive from the stadium and the official fan zone.

With air conditioning, a 24-hour reception and a sense of privacy, it's worth the slightly elevated price.

Where to eat and drink

If you're heading to Mexico City, you will undoubtedly be on the hunt for excellent local food.

One of Mexico's leading chefs, Fabiola Escobosa, recommends Michelin Guide-listed bistro Ultramarinos Demar for an unforgettable dining experience, according to Forbes.

With succulent lobster rolls, softshell crab and moreish clam chowder all on the menu, this sought-after spot in trendy neighbourhood Roma is worth every last penny.

On the more affordable end of the scale, Dante Brasa y Fuego is a standout spot, with six 85-inch screens, premium steaks and Wagyu and fire-grill cuisine.

Exposed stone walls draw you into cultural centre and restaurant Tetetlán – and it's not just the food that will keep you there.

'What a fun experience this is,' one Google reviewer said, adding: 'The restaurant is sunken within a grotto of rock. The floor is see-through plexiglass hovering above the pit of rock.

'It gives the impression of a treasure trove of books, art, photos and vintage trinkets. As you enter you descend on a hearty wide staircase into the scattered tables placed cosily amongst the decor.

'The food is served beautifully on fabulous plates and containers, with a selection of gorgeously delicious sauces and spreads.'

Cocktails start from around £8. 

For hearty meals, check out Michoacanissimo, Tacos Las Muñecas and El Remolkito.

What to do 

While it'll be all eyes on the boys while the games are on, many fans will want to keep the party going when the final whistle blows – and there's plenty of football-adjacent fun to be had in this vibrant city.

In Mexico as in the UK, football is very much a part of everyday life, and enjoying street tacos and drinks with fellow fans is a great pastime.

There are also football-themed tours to enjoy, from a Football Soccer Matchday Experience in Mexico City with GetYourGuide (£124) to the city's Legends football experience.

If watching all the sporting activity has made you keen for a kickabout, there are also a number of great parks, including Bosque de Chapultepec, full of green space, or Parque Mexico.

And some top tips for safety... 

Mexico City is set to welcome in huge numbers of fans – and it's a vibrant destination tourists will love

With World Cup excitement building around matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, thousands of international fans are preparing to travel across Mexico for one of the biggest sporting events in the world. 

Between crowded stadiums, intercity travel, high-altitude conditions, and the risk of ticket scams, fans face a unique set of challenges beyond the average vacation.

Leading travel insurer World Nomads has issued some expert tips on how to navigate Mexico safely and smartly during tournament season. 

1. Beat the transport rush

Firstly, travelling between host cities may be more complicated than fans expect –  especially with heavy World Cup traffic expected on roads, and at airports. If attending multiple matches, arrive at least one day early where possible to avoid missing games due to transportation delays. 

2. Watch out for scams 

Major global events often attract counterfeit ticket scams. Purchase match tickets only through official FIFA-authorised sellers or verified resale platforms, and avoid street vendors or unofficial online marketplaces. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Mexico City will play host to England fans for the last-16 clash with one of the host nations – pictured is a man in a traditional Mexican wrestling mask after their win over Ecuador

3. Plan ahead 

Large crowds at stadium entrances, exits, and transit hubs can become overwhelming quickly. Identify your gate, emergency exits, and meeting point in advance in case your group becomes separated during or after the game. 

4. Prepare for altitude 

Fans attending matches in Mexico City may be caught off guard by the city's elevation, which sits over 7,000 feet above sea level. 

Altitude can intensify dehydration, fatigue, headaches, and alcohol's effects – especially after long flights or hot match days. Stay hydrated, pace alcohol consumption, and allow time to acclimatise before major activity.

5. Watch out for pickpockets

Tourist-heavy gathering points, public transit, and fan celebrations can create opportunities for petty theft. Carry only what you need, avoid keeping passports, cash, and cards together, and remain alert when using phones in crowded areas.

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