Guadalajara 2026: Akron Stadium almost ready for the World Cup, with FIFA improvements

Guadalajara Prepares for the 2026 World Cup: A Renovated Stadium and Ready for the Football Festival

A year after the start of the Football World Cup, the city of Guadalajara, Mexico, is in the final stretch of preparations to be one of the most outstanding venues of the tournament. The Akron stadium, where Pelé shone in 1970, is preparing to welcome fans starting June 11, 2026. Inaugurated in 2010, the Akron stadium, home of the Chivas de Guadalajara, shows minimal wear, which has simplified the necessary adjustments. This situation contrasts with that of the Azteca Stadium, venue of the inauguration, which has been undergoing reconstruction since the beginning of 2024. The remodeling of the stadium in Guadalajara, with an estimated cost of more than 12 million dollars, includes various improvements requested by FIFA and others implemented by the club. Amaury Vergara, owner of the Chivas, confirmed the details of the improvements.

Some of the changes were requested by FIFA and most of them are ones we are making.

Amaury Vergara

One of the most significant transformations is the change of the grass. Last May, the replacement of the original grass with a hybrid one began, composed of 95% natural grass and 5% synthetic grass, seeking greater durability and less wear and tear. In addition, a new drainage system with advanced technology and underground irrigation capacity will be installed, in line with Guadalajara’s commitment to sustainability.

The new drainage will have suction and underground irrigation capacity, a complete change will be made to the pitch’s grass for a warm-season grass, which is the same one that will be used in most of the 2026 World Cup pitches.

Sebastián Muñoz

FIFA recommended the use of Bermuda North Bridge, a hybrid variety developed by the University of Oklahoma and produced in Nuevo León, ideal for warm climates like Guadalajara’s. These works are scheduled to be completed before July 10, prior to the start of the Apertura 2025 tournament, ensuring that Chivas is not affected by the remodeling. The stadium will also feature a new state-of-the-art LED lighting system and updated sound. Other improvements have already been implemented, such as the installation of Wi-Fi throughout the venue and the use of artificial intelligence to predict match attendance, improving security and the experience of attendees. Both the LED lighting change and the new drainage system seek to obtain LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a FIFA requirement to ensure the sustainability of the Akron stadium. The LED lights will allow for significant energy savings, the new turf will reduce water consumption, and the drainage will reuse water. Vergara has assured that all the improvements will be completed by the end of 2025, without the need to close the stadium for Chivas matches. Guadalajara will host four World Cup matches, paying tribute to ‘King Pelé’, three-time world champion, immortalized in a giant statue that will welcome fans.