The 2026 international soccer tournament is hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada. If your trip starts in Dallas and includes matches in Mexico, three cities south of the border are part of the fixture list: Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. Each is reachable from DFW Airport by direct flight, and Monterrey is even drivable if you prefer the road.
Here is how to plan the connection.
Mexico City hosts matches at Estadio Azteca, one of the most historic soccer stadiums in the world. The stadium seats approximately 83,000 and has hosted major international tournaments across multiple decades.
Monterrey hosts matches at Estadio BBVA, a 53,500-seat venue in Guadalupe, about 30 minutes from the city center.
Guadalajara hosts matches at Estadio Akron, a 48,000-seat venue.
DFW Airport has daily nonstop flights to all three Mexican host cities. DFW to Mexico City (MEX) takes about three hours. DFW to Monterrey (MTY) takes about two hours. DFW to Guadalajara (GDL) takes about three hours.
Carriers include American Airlines, Aeromexico, Volaris, Viva Aerobus and United (via Houston). Budget airlines Volaris and Viva Aerobus frequently offer fares under $50 USD one-way between Mexican cities, which makes multi-city travel within Mexico very affordable once you arrive.
If you prefer the road, Monterrey is reachable by car from DFW. The drive covers about 540 miles via I-35 South to the Laredo, Texas, border crossing, then roughly three hours from Laredo to Monterrey. Total drive time is about nine hours.
The Laredo crossing is one of the busiest land border crossings in North America. Allow extra time for border processing, especially during the tournament when traffic will be heavier than usual.
Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN). U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but the exchange rate at local merchants is typically poor. Use ATMs in Mexico for the best exchange rate and carry pesos for everyday purchases.
If your match schedule includes fixtures in both Dallas and a Mexican host city, base yourself in whichever city has the most matches on your list. A two-hour flight between DFW and Monterrey makes same-week travel between the two cities straightforward. Mexico City and Guadalajara require a bit more planning due to the three-hour flight time.
Before heading south, get tickets to see the Rangers in 2026 and catch a game at Globe Life Field. The ballpark is within walking distance of AT&T Stadium in the Arlington Entertainment District, so you can attend a match and a Rangers game on consecutive days before flying to Mexico.
About three hours on a nonstop flight from DFW Airport.
Yes. The drive is about nine hours via I-35 South through Laredo, Texas.
Monterrey, about two hours by air or nine hours by car through Laredo.
Budget airlines Volaris and Viva Aerobus frequently offer fares under $50 USD one-way. Booking in advance locks in the best rates.
Yes. Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is one of the most iconic soccer stadiums in the world and has hosted major international tournaments across multiple decades.
