Zapopan

Zapopan is a major municipality forming part of the greater Guadalajara metropolitan area in the state of Jalisco, western Mexico. It is one of the most populous municipalities in Mexico and functions as an integrated urban district alongside the city of Guadalajara itself, sharing infrastructure, transport, and services. Estadio Akron (capacity approximately 46,355), home of Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas), is located in Zapopan and was designated as a FIFA World Cup 2026 venue, hosting four group-stage matches.

For the 2026 World Cup, South Korea established their training base at Chivas's training facility, Chivas Verde Valle, also in Zapopan. The facility provided closed-session conditions for preparation ahead of Group A matches. On 17 June 2026, a drone was spotted over a closed South Korean training session there; Mexican military forces intercepted and brought it down. The operators fled the scene before authorities could detain them. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo confirmed the incident and expressed concern at the timing, two days before their Group A fixture against Mexico.

Guadalajara has a significant football history as a host city: it staged matches at both the 1970 and 1986 World Cups and hosted events at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and the 2011 Pan American Games.