mexico city wrestling tour

4 hours guided experience around Lucha Libre in Mexico City

99.9% of customers rated 5 stars on Airbnb Experiences our Lucha Libre Tour.

I’m Alexis Sánchez ,  2009  “Ángel Fernández” award by the Mexican Federation of Sports Writers. I am passionate about Lucha Libre. I manage a Facebook community named “ Mascara contra Mascara ” where we present an historical perspective for the best approach to the national Wrestling of our days.

What you'll do?

We will make a short welcome at Taquería El Caifán in the heart of Mexico’s City Historic Downtown. You will know a history sprint from Salvador Lutteroth to El Místico. This is a quick review from the first days of this sport in our country to nowdays.

Tacos and beer time!

After that we will meet in Taquería El Caifán , you’re going to taste a couple of Tacos al Pastor before depart to the Arena.

There you’re going to get a free national beer (or a non alcoholic drink) and you’re going to get a free mexican wrestler mask as a souvenir. This is the time when all the history, context, rules and the line-up of matches for the night is reviewed.

Lucha Libre Time!

Finally we are going to get Metrobus to the Arena Mexico (fridays and sundays) or Arena Coliseo (saturdays) to presence a Lucha Libre show in great seats in the ringside zone.

Live the local experience. This is how mexican fans get to the Arena. The cost of the trip is on me.

Arena México is the Cathedral of Lucha Libre in the world. This is like Madison Square Garden for Basketball or Wembley for Soccer. 13,500 persons capacity. Shows every tuesday, friday and sunday.

Arena Coliseo is the venue for every Retro Saturday. Also known as The Funnel of La Lagunilla because of his shape and size. Capacity: 5,500 persons.

2 hours Lucha Libre show!

After 2 hours of amazing show of Lucha Libre in the best spots of the country, at the end of the show, I will give you recommendations of places to keep visiting in order to enjoy more of Mexican Lucha Libre experience in the city. 

Also I can assist you if you want to get souvenirs outside the Arena. 

Since I want you to have a safe way back to your next spot, I will point a safe spot to get an Uber at the end of the show.

We can end the experience there or I can leave you back to Downtown at Tacos El Caifan for free when we the experience is held in Arena Mexico. The free ride back would be in Metrobus.

Experience Includes

For a 2 hours Lucha Libre show in great seats on the ring side zone.

1 national beer or non alcoholic breverage at the taco place.

2 tacos al pastor for tasting the most popular taco in Mexico City or 1 squash blossom quesadilla as veggie option.

Transportation

1 free ride in Metrobus System (public transportation) from Taco Place to the Arena of Lucha Libre.

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11 Best Mexico City Lucha Libre Tours in 2024

Ready to book a lucha libre Mexico City Tour?

As someone who used to live in Mexico City, and has been to see lucha libre, you’re in for a treat. You’re also in the right place because the Top 11 best Mexico City lucha libre tours are all featured here!

🦹‍♀️ Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best Mexico City lucha libre tour is this Lucha + Tacos + Beer Tour , with thousands of Five Star reviews.

While it may look silly, lucha libre is one of the best things to do in Mexico City. Lucha is also just plain fun — and it’s supposed to be. For culture travelers, this is one of the best ways to experience authentic Mexico City culture.

Ready to get to this list of the 10 best lucha libre Mexico City tours (so that you can book one already)? Let’s dive in!

Top 3 Picks: Best Mexico City Lucha Libre Tours

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lucha + Tacos + Cerveza ✔️ Food and drinks ✔️ Great lucha libre seats

Make Your Own Lucha Libre Mask for the Match ✔️ Equipment ✔️ Visit different CDMX neighborhoods

Lucha Libre Master Class with a Journalist ✔️ Transportation ✔️ Food and drinks

11 Best Mexico City Lucha Libre Tours

1. lucha libre + tacos + cerveza = best night ever.

⭐️ RATING: 4.93 out of 5 Stars, with about 5,000 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 🦹‍♀️ BOOK NOW

Rated one of Mexico’s top lucha libre experiences, don’t hesitate to secure your spot on the Lucha + Tacos + Cerveza = Best Night Ever Tour .

As the name says, this highly-rated night tour is all about tacos, beer, and watching a professional Mexican wrestling match in Mexico City.

Juan and Julio were fantastic hosts. The experience exceeded my expectations. I like the secret mezcal location tasting and the mask souvenir was a nice surprise… Definitely a fun time with the group. —hien (see more  reviews )

The night starts with tacos, mezcal, and beer. You’ll visit several local taquerias (taco shops), and wash each taco with your spirit of choice. Make sure to try some pulque , also known as the liquor of the gods.

As you enjoy your food and drinks, your guide will talk about lucha libre history, its symbolism, and secrets. Once you’ve finished eating, you’ll head to Arena Mexico to buy lucha tickets and watch a match. 

🦹‍♀️ Mexico City Fun Fact: La Arena Mexico is in the Doctores neighborhood, just six miles (10 km) from Frida Kahlo’s house, which is now the famous Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan .

Take advantage of this incredible tour and enjoy a memorable night of eating, drinking, and soaking up the unique atmosphere at an authentic Mexico wrestling match.

You’ll be talking about your lucha libre tacos night for a long time to come.

best mexico city lucha libre tours

2. make your own lucha libre mask for the match.

⭐️ RATING: 4.91 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | 🦹‍♀️ BOOK NOW

For a unique, engaging, and fun lucha libre experience, look no further than this Make Your Own Lucha Libre Mask Experience . 

This Lucha Libre Mexico City tour begins at your host’s apartment, next to the El Museo De Cera — one of the best museums in Mexico City .

Here, you’ll start creating your lucha libre alter-ego, and become the Mexican wrestler you’ve always wanted to be. You’ll learn about the history, basic rules and other interesting lucha libre facts.

As you learn, you’ll also have access to unlimited Mexican beers . Who said learning isn’t fun?!

We had a great time with Rick! He was very kind and well prepared with supplies to make our masks (and with beer!) and the vibe was really fun! The lucha libre show itself was also amazing, definitely a highlight of our trip to CDMX! —eva (see more  reviews )

Then it’s time to make your own lucha libre mask, which you’ll get to keep as a Mexico City souvenir. The luchador mask hides, yet also defines, the identity of the fighter.

The masks are painted with colors and designs of archetypes, animals, or heroes that add to the luchador’s fighting persona. They add drama and mystery, and this is your chance to be part of that by creating your own.  

Once you’ve finished creating your mask, you’ll head out to the main event — a match at La Arena Mexico. This famous Mexico City arena is also known as the Cathedral or Arena Lucha Libre Mexico.

Here, you and the rest of the group will don your masks (and even compete to see who has the best lucha libre masks) and watch a real Mexico pro wrestling match. 

The guides of this tour are true lucha libre die-hard fans, and their love, enthusiasm, and knowledge only add to this spectacular experience. At the end of the tour, they’ll have a vintage lucha libre surprise for you. 

3. Lucha Libre Master Class with a Journalist + Lucha Match

⭐️ RATING: 4.87 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 🦹‍♀️ BOOK NOW

Want to learn everything there is to know about lucha libre in Mexico, while taking in a show? In this Lucha Libre Master Class and Lucha Match , you’ll become an expert in the art of lucha libre Mexican wrestling. 

Depending on the day, the meeting place changes. On Tuesdays and Sundays, you’ll meet at the Mercado de la Ciudadela, one of the city’s best places to shop for Mexican handicrafts. On Fridays, you’ll meet at a restaurant.

Incredible and exciting experience. Adan was very knowledgeable and helped me learn about the world of lucha libre. Definitely check out this experience when you visit Mexico City. —kene (see more  reviews )

Regardless of the day, the tour starts with a lucha Mexico history lesson, while you enjoy some delicious quesadillas and Mexican beer .

Next, it’s time to grab your own lucha libre mask and walk to the Mexico City Arena, the site of the best luchador wrestling matches. You’ll drink beer and tequila while cheering on your favorite lucha libre fighters.

Adán, the tour guide of this experience, is a passionate, informative, talented storyteller. His warm and friendly demeanor, personal experiences, and small gifts add a special touch to the tour. 

If you visit the city at the beginning of November, Adán also hosts a special Day of the Dead experience.

4. Lucha Libre Experience with a Former Wrestler + Mezcal Tasting

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours | 🦹‍♀️ BOOK NOW

Experience lucha libre in a whole new way at this Lucha Libre Wrestling Match & Mezcal Tasting , led by a former luchador . This Mexico City tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Mexican lucha libre from an insider.

You’ll kick the evening off at a local mezcaleria (Mexico City mezcal bar), where you can taste various hand-crafted mezcals and eat some local Mexican snacks.

Arturo is an amazing tour guide! The 15-person group had so much fun at the tastings and show. I would absolutely recommend this tour, as I’ve never enjoyed mezcal or wrestling nearly this much before. —rachel (see more  reviews )

You also get to learn more about the world of lucha libre, including the history, personalities, and rules of lucha libre — getting the perspective of the sport from a former wrestler. 

Then it’s off to the Arena México , the best place in town to see any Mexico City arena lucha libre fight.

Here, you’ll watch a professional lucha libre wrestling Mexico City match wearing your very own Mexican lucha libre mask. These make for a great souvenir of the experience you can take home with you.

5. Lucha Libre Meet & Greet with Luchador + Mezcal

⭐️ RATING: 4.95 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 🦹‍♀️ BOOK NOW

For a spectacular lucha libre experience inside and outside the stadium, this Lucha Libre Meet & Greet Experience is one of the most unique lucha tours in Mexico City. 

The experience starts on a beautiful Mexico City rooftop with beer, mezcal , snacks, and epic views of the Reforma Avenue skyline. You’ll then be joined by a professional luchador (or two) for an exclusive meet and greet. 

We loved our experience with Jony and meeting the luchadores! He made us a delicious snack and we had mezcal and beers and then we went to the arena, which was also amazing. Jony explained everything and was super friendly. Highly recommend! —katie (see more  reviews )

The wrestlers won’t be wearing their full lucha libre costumes, but will have their masks and possibly some other lucha libre gear, like their lucha libre pants.

They will share their personal experiences, answer questions, and pose for lucha libre pictures with you⁠. This, plus the beer and mezcal, is the perfect icebreaker before heading to the arena.

If you want to learn more about the background and production of lucha libre from a real luchador while also enjoying a wrestling show, this is one of the best lucha libre tours Mexico City has — and one you shouldn’t miss.

6. Lucha Libre Wrestling, Street Tacos, Masks & Fun

⭐️ RATING: 4.87 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🦹‍♀️ BOOK NOW

Experience Mexican culture, learn about lucha libre, and enjoy one of the best traditional Mexican dishes on this Lucha Libre, Street Tacos, Mask & Fun tour.  

Where can you find the best, most authentic tacos in Mexico City ? Locally owned and operated street stands, of course.

Explore the streets of and Colonia Roma while stopping at various stands to eat different types of tacos . As you enjoy each taco, you’ll learn more about its ingredients and preparation methods. 

I cannot recommend this tour enough! We knew we wanted to go to lucha libre, buy masks and eat some delicious tacos and this tour included all of those things, with an added personal touch. —Nidhi (see more  reviews )

Beside all the various tacos, you’ll also be able to taste different foods and drinks during the walking tour. You’ll also learn about the history and architecture of the neighborhoods you explore, including Colonia Juarez.

You’ll also learn more about the cultural nuances of lucha libre as a way to grant you more context on what you’re about to experience. 

The last leg of this Mexico City lucha libre tour is at one of the two main Mexican wrestling match arenas. Here, you’ll enjoy an exhilarating night watching a smackdown, lucha libre-style. 

7. Lucha Libre Private Tour: Mariachis, Cantinas & Lucha Libre

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | 🦹‍♀️ BOOK NOW

Experience Mexico’s holy trinity of entertainment during the Mariachis, Cantinas & Lucha Libre Private Tour in Mexico City. Your private group size can be up to 10 people — so this is perfect for parties and groups.

The night begins with a lucha libre freestyle wrestling match. Don your complimentary lucha mask as you watch wrestlers do all their favorite lucha libre moves.

Had a super time and our tour guide Julio was so fun and informative. One of the families with us had gone on this tour multiple times and so I can’t recommend this one enough. Loads of fun! —Ana (see more  reviews )

Watch them dive, fly and grandstand while enjoying lucha libre music and learning all the Mexican words needed to cheer on your favorite lucha libre stars. 

After the fight, you’ll head to one of the most famous musical squares in Mexico City for mariachi. Plaza Garibaldi, located in Downtown Mexico City , is known for impromptu concerts from mariachi musical groups.

The square is the spiritual home of this Mexican folk music. It is loud, beautifully chaotic, and quite the experience. Here you’ll be able to sip some tequila at a local cantina while dancing to mariachi music. 

Finally, you’ll visit the Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal (Tequila and Mezcal Museum) to learn more about Mexican drinking culture and continue sampling some of Mexico’s finest spirits. It’s the perfect end to a perfect night!

8. Lucha Libre Tour: Ringside Tickets Guaranteed

⭐️ RATING: 4.97 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours | 🦹‍♀️ BOOK NOW

Have you ever wanted to sit ringside at a lucha fight? Grab front-row seats and feel like you’re in the middle of the action with the Lucha Libre: Ringside Tickets Guaranteed Tour. 

The night begins at a local restaurant, where you’ll eat delicious Mexican food while learning more about the basics, history, and rules of lucha libre Mexican wrestling. 

Then it’s off to the lucha libre arena. Seats are usually next to the catwalk, where you can snap some close-up photos of the wrestlers, and see them as they come out and into the ring.

The tour is hosted by Daniel, who sees himself as a true lucha libre ambassador.

Daniel was great and super knowledgeable about the whole lucha libre world… tacos were good, micheladas were cold, mezcal was smooth… I thought about buying tickets on my own but it was a much better experience going with Daniel! —Rafael (see more  reviews )

Daniel is a knowledgeable, attentive guide, and his passion for the sport is evident in his exceptional storytelling skills and eagerness to provide people with a special and unique lucha experience.

Be aware that the earlier your book, the better seats Daniel can get. You can also ask about the availability before booking, but one thing’s for sure — for the best tickets lucha libre Mexico City has, don’t miss out on this experience.

Besides having the best seats, you’ll also be able to stop at official and non-official lucha libre stores before the event to buy souvenirs, like a mask to wear during the fight. You can also pick up cool lucha libre shirts from local artists.

9. Mexican Lucha Libre Match with a Local Guide

⭐️ RATING: 4.99 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🦹‍♀️ BOOK NOW

For an exciting, unique experience in Mexico City, look no further than the Mexican Lucha Libre Match with a Local Guide named Alexis. He is a passionate individual whose enthusiasm for wrestling shows throughout.

The tour starts at the steps of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, one of the most famous buildings in Mexico City, located in the heart of the historical Downtown CDMX .

Great experience if you’re in town and want to check out lucha libre. Alexis is very passionate about the history and the match. He does a great job of explaining everything and making sure you get there and back safely. —grant (see more  reviews )

Here, you’ll get a quick rundown on the history of lucha libre. Have you heard of El Mistico Lucha Libre, one of the sport’s biggest stars? No?! You’ll learn about him, as well as many others. 

Before the show, stroll to Tacos El Caifán, where you’ll fill up on some tacos al pastor, drink a round of national beer, and receive a souvenir mask to wear to get in the spirit.

Next, it’s off to the arena to experience a Lucha Libre wrestling match. At the end of the night, Alexis will provide you with recommendations on Mexico City day trips and day tours, and other unique things to see in Mexico City .

10. Lucha Libre & Pulque Tasting Experience (Private Tour)

⭐️ RATING: out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | 🦹‍♀️ BOOK NOW

Enjoy a wrestling match while also visiting one of the most emblematic pulqueria in Mexico City on this Lucha Libre & Pulque Tasting Experience.   

Have you heard of pulque? It is an alcoholic beverage made from the maguey (agave) plant. It is a pre-Hispanic beverage that has been produced and consumed for millennia.

On this tour, you’ll visit Hija de Los Apaches, one of the most famous pulquerias, or pulque bars in Mexico City. It is owned by ex-boxer, Epifanio “El Pife” Leyva Ortega, and has been around for more than 70 years.=

The bar is only one block from the main lucha libre arena in Mexico City, so once you’ve had your fill of pulque, you’ll receive a souvenir pulque mug and a Mexican Lucha mask to wear during the show.

At the end of the experience, you’ll also be gifted an artisanal Mexican souvenir or bottle of mezcal.

Mexico City Lucha Libre: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lucha Libre?

Lucha libre translates to free-style fighting . It is a term used in Latin America for professional wrestling. The origins of the sport date back to 1863, when Enrique Ugartechea, a Mexican wrestler, developed the lucha libre style based on Greco-Roman traditions. 

The lucha libre luchadores, or wrestlers, have been wearing masks since the beginning of the sport. Many say that the masks are a product of Mexico’s Aztec heritage.

Early masks were quite simple. For example, the famous luchador El Santo had a plain silver mask.

However, as the sport progressed, masks became more colorful and represented animals, ancient heroes, and gods.

The wrestler would embody the character painted on the mask. In essence, the luchador would become their mask.

The popularization of the sport began in the early 1990s when Salvador Lutteroth founded the Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (Mexican Wrestling Lucha Libre Enterprise) in 1933. Salvador is known as the father of lucha libre. 

Then came television, and one of the most famous figures of the sport emerged, El Santo. His popularity, plus the popularity of TV, capitulated the sport into the mainstream.

Mexican Lucha is similar to American wrestling, like WWE or WWF. The lucha libre rules are similar to American wrestling.

However, critics argue that lucha requires more athleticism since luchadores perform numerous aerial maneuvers in fights, and therefore have to be more agile.

Is lucha libre wrestling fake?

No — The fight is staged and the outcome predetermined, but the love of the sport, both by spectators and luchadores, can not be faked.

So, Is lucha libre fake? Yes and no.

The sport is about family and tradition, and the passion for the sport is real, and so is the athleticism needed to pull off some of the maneuvers done in the lucha libre ring.

However, similar to American-style wrestling, much of the dialogue and moves are pre-determined, and more often than not, so is the fight’s outcome. 

Why is lucha libre so popular in Mexico?

Lucha libre is a sport and performance art spectacle that, in 2018, was given the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the government of Mexico City.

The sport is an expression of the identity of the culture and traditions of Mexico.

Mexican lucha libre masks, for example, draw inspiration from Mexican history. They hark back to when Aztec and Mayan warriors would paint their faces when going into battle.

But above all, Lucha is popular because it is fun to watch.

It is a dramatic, over-the-top, exhilarating one-of-a-kind experience that is one of Mexico’s biggest spectator activities. 

Why do luchadores wear masks?

The mask makes the warrior. It also hides the luchador’s identity. Although the real reason why luchadores started to wear masks is debated, the phenomenon began to gain popularity in the early 20th Century. 

In 1934, an American wrestler started to wrestle in a mask under the name La Maravilla Enmascarada, which translates to The Masked Marvel.

The mystery of the man behind the mask was well-received by spectators. As a result, more wrestlers started to wear masks. 

However, it wasn’t until the arrival of the most famous lucha libre wrestlers, El Santo, that masks became a common practice in the sport. 

Today, the masks symbolize tradition and respect for the sport. It hides the true identity of the luchadores, which also grants them the privacy to live normally when unmasked.

The masks also provide a character that the luchadores embody while in the lucha libre ring, defining their fighter personality. In fact, some wrestlers have even been buried while wearing their masks. 

From a purely aesthetics standpoint, the mask also pairs perfectly with the colorful lucha libre outfit.

Is unmasking a luchador disrespectful?

Yes — Luchadores do not remove their masks when fighting. In fact, removing an opponent’s mask during a fight is against the rules, and also a sign of great disrespect.

However, there are fights, like the “ mascara contra mascara ” (mask versus mask), where the winner unmasks the loser. 

The mascara contra mascara fight is one of the most prestigious matches in lucha.

The winner can get a career push, but the loser can risk seriously hurting their career. Being unmasked is the ultimate insult in lucha.

Once unmasked, the luchador’s mask is retired and cannot be used again. 

Who is the most famous luchador in Mexico?

So who is one of the heroes of lucha libre? One of the most famous luchadores in Mexico was Rodolfo Guzmán Huerto, also known as El Santo , or the Saint in English.

The lucha libre El Santo wrestler started wrestling in 1934, and retired in 1982 — his career spanned almost five decades! Today, he is still one of the most famous people in Mexico.

El Santo also popularized the Luchador Lucha Libre mask, which he wore in and out of the ring, hiding his true identity until retirement. The El Santo silver mask is as famous as the El Santo wrestler himself.

El Santo is a cultural icon and a Mexican folk hero. He was a wrestler, but also starred in lucha libre movies and comic book series. You can even buy one of his many lucha libre action figures online.

His son, El Hijo del Santo, is also widely successful and considered one of the best lucha libre wrestlers. Like his father, he wears a silver mask in the ring, one of the most famous lucha libre masks.

Was Nacho Libre real?

The Nacho Libre movie was loosely based on the story of Sergio Gutierrez Benetiz , a Catholic priest who became a luchador. In the film, Jack Black plays the main character.

Benitez ran a home for orphan children. To raise money for the orphanage, he decided to become a wrestler. He designed his own yellow and red mask, and used the name Fray Tormenta.

🎥 Never seen the Nacho Libre movie? You can rent it on Amazon for a few dollars.

What do you call a female luchador?

Although the lucha libre sport is performed mainly by men, there are also lucha libre women wrestlers. In female lucha libre, the wrestlers are called luchadoras . 

🦹‍♀️ Lucha Libre Fun Fact: Cholita wrestling is a women’s category of Bolivian lucha libre wrestling.

It is performed by women from La Paz, Bolivia, in characteristic lucha libre suits, and known as cholitas lucha libre.

How long is a lucha libre fight?

Fights last three rounds , and a normal lucha libre show ranges between three hours and three and a half hours .

Rounds start with less well-known luchadores and lucha libre amateurs.

They end with the main event fights, when elite lucha libre fighters like Lucha Libre Octagon or Lucha Libre Mistico, will enter the ring.

Can you see Lucha libre in Mexico City without a tour?

If you see a flyer for lucha libre in Mexico City or an Arena Mexico lucha libre cartelera (billboard), you might decide to swing by a match at the last minute.

While it’s doable to go and see a lucha match without a tour, you might not get great seats. (It’s also not the safest idea, which you can read about if you keep scrolling).

You can buy Mexico City lucha libre tickets at Arena de Lucha Libre (Arena Mexico) on any given fight night. You’ll want to show up early on the day of the fight and to the box office to buy them.

However, consider going on a tour, like the Lucha + Tacos + Cerveza = Best Night Ever , if you’re particular about where you want to sit. These matches always sell out, and of course, the best seats go first.

🤔 Is there lucha libre mexico city tonight?

One final tip is to make sure you check the Mexico City lucha libre schedule online. Different matches take place at different arenas, though Arena Mexico always has the best Mexico City lucha libre fights.

🦹‍♀️ Lucha Libre Tickets: booking in advance online

Want to know if you can buy lucha libre tickets online in advance?

Yes, you can — but remember Mexico is not the U.S., and the process to collect your physical tickets isn’t always smooth, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. Most people end up wishing they went with a tour.

How can I see lucha libre in Mexico City on my own?

While you can do this, it’s a lot safer and a lot more fun to go with a group.

If your Spanish isn’t great, this is another reason you’ll want to see a Mexico City lucha match with a local guide.

🦹‍♀️ We recommend the Lucha + Tacos + Cerveza = Best Night Ever , because it has several thousand Five Star reviews.

If you still want to on your own, here’s what you need to know:

There are two lucha libre locations in Mexico City, Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo. Arena Mexico hosts all the large matches with the top luchadores.

🦹‍♀️ Arena Mexico lucha libre schedule Mexico City

Fights take place at Arena Mexico every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, and start times vary by day.

This is known as the Cathedral of Lucha Libre, and has a capacity of more than 16,000 — but of course, the good seats sell out first.

🦹‍♀️ Arena Coliseo lucha libre Mexico City schedule

Arena Coliseo Lucha Libre is another space that hosts regular fights. Fights take place here most Saturday nights at 7:30pm. It has a seating capacity of 5,250.

To find out the lucha libre schedules Mexico City has during your visit, make sure to check the arena’s specific website. Click the links above to access info for both locations.

You can buy tickets at the door or in advance — but do so early if you’re particular about seating. There’s also the option to buy here, Ticketmaster Lucha Libre México City.

🚨 A word of caution

Both of these Mexico City lucha libre arenas are located in different neighborhoods that aren’t always safest after dark. You might want to consider heading to another area after the fight ends.

Also, there’s no longer social distancing enforced throughout any arena in Mexico City, so you might want to wear a mask for your health’s sake.

How much do lucha libre tickets cost?

Mexico city wrestling tickets to the Arena Mexico range between $7-35 USD , depending on seating. Arena Coliseo is a little cheaper, with Lucha Libre Mexico City tickets ranging between $2-15 USD.

🦹‍♀️ How much is Lucha libre Mexico City?

Along with tickets, you’ll probably want to buy some food, drinks and maybe a souvenir or two — so how much would that cost?

Beer and drinks are cheap, and range from $2-4 USD, depending on the size of the beverage.

The snacks at lucha matches aren’t the best, think ramen noodle cups and chips, so you’ll want to eat beforehand. Here’s a list of the best restaurants in Mexico City so you know where to go.

If you do want to enjoy a lucha libre beer (or three!), bring some cash as the vendors walking around the arena don’t take credit cards.

In general, most places in Mexico City frequented by locals will be cash only.

Can you buy Lucha libre tickets at the door?

Yes, you can buy tickets at the door. However, sometimes specific sections can be sold-out (usually the best section closest to the floor), and you might have to sit farther from the stage with limited visibility.

To see some of the best lucha libre Mexico City has, make sure to watch a fight at Arena Mexico, AKA The Cathedral of Lucha Libre in Mexico. The main event fights usually take place on Friday nights.

Is it safe to go to lucha libre in Mexico City?

Want to know, Is lucha libre safe for visitors in Mexico City? For the most part, yes.

However, the arenas aren’t located in the best Mexico City neighborhoods, so consider relocating after the match ends.

You’ll also want to take an Uber to your next location, as these aren’t the best places to walk at night; not for locals nor visitors.

However, for the vast majority of spectators, Mexico City lucha libre fights are a fun, safe experience.

Final Thoughts: Best Mexico City Lucha Libre Tours

While it may look silly, lucha libre is one of the best cultural activities in Mexico. It’s also just plain fun — and it’s supposed to be. For culture travelers, this. isa fun way to experience Mexican culture, and what’s better than that!?

For first timers in Mexico City, or anyone who doesn’t speak Spanish — a tour is the safest way to go. It’s also the most convenient because the ticket-buying process is quite frankly, annoying .

I always recommend this Lucha + Tacos + Cerveza = Best Night Ever because tacos, lucha and beer does make for the best night ever.

It also has thousands of Five Star reviews, so you know you can’t go wrong.

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.

Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.

Lucha Libre Mexico City: The Ultimate Expert Guide (2024)

Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by Ashlea J. Russell

Want to experience Lucha Libre in Mexico City?

Lucha Libre in Mexico City isn’t just wrestling, it’s a cultural experience . And whether you’re into wrestling or not, this is something you shouldn’t miss while you’re in town.

If you’re here, you’re probably already considering a night at the Lucha Libre but you may not be sure how to go about it . Should you take a tour or go alone ? How do you buy tickets ? How long is a show ?

In this article I will cover the answers to all these questions and more, based on my own first-hand experience of the spectacle that is Lucha Libre.

My Lucha Libre Experience

When I went to see Lucha Libre in Mexico City I took this awesome tour. It was totally safe and fun, and experiencing Lucha Libre with a local Chilango made it 10x more fun!

Lucha Libre Mexico City

When I say Lucha Libre is a cultural experience, I’m not exaggerating. In recent years this form of professional wrestling was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by Mexico City.

The sport of freestyle Mexican wrestling dates back to the 1800’s but is still thriving today. What started as a regional affair is now a nationwide, televised phenomenon , second only to soccer (football) in popularity.

While the history is rich, you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the show.

In Mexico City, Lucha Libre is an absolute spectacle . The flamboyance and theatrics make it really easy to play along with the locals and have a great time.

The basics of Lucha Libre are really simple. The wrestlers are known as Luchadores and most of them wear masks . This used to be to hide their identities from their families or workplaces but these days it’s to add a mysterious superhero effect .

The wrestlers are divided into two groups , Rudos (the bad guys) and Técnicos (the good guys).

It’s a tale as old as time: the battle of good vs bad , and it’s up to you who you root for.

How To See Lucha Libre In Mexico City

When you’re in Mexico City, you have two options when deciding how you want to experience Lucha Libre. You can take a tour with a local guide or you can go it alone and see the show independently.

When I went to my first Lucha Libre experience I chose to trust a local guide and I’m really glad I did, but everyone is different! So let’s get into the different ways to experience Lucha Libre so you can decide what works best for you.

The Best Lucha Libre Tour

I believe the best way to experience Lucha Libre, especially for the first time, is with a local guide. Your experience with a Chilango (Mexico City native) is going to be very different from your experience as a foreigner.

The tour that I took lasts 4 hours and will get you a guide , a great seat , your own Lucha Libre mask to keep, a pulque tasting [imagine a fermented tequila] and live music at a local cantina.

And while all of that sounds great, the major benefit for me was having someone there who understood Lucha Libre!

My guide, Javier, was able to explain the history of Lucha Libre, rivalries between the different Luchadores we were watching, who we should be rooting for, and what was going on at different times of the show.

The crowd is very animated and there were many times when they went wild with shouting and booing and I had no idea why until my guide caught me up to speed.

• I recommend taking this tour on Tuesdays or Fridays as these shows are at the larger Arena México . The Saturday tours go to Arena Coliseo which is a much smaller venue. All tours are 18+ .

Having the guide and the small group (15 max) also made the experience at the arena much more comfortable. Most of the major matches these days take place at Arena México which is a big place in a rough part of town .

There is a ton of activity around the arena from vendors to performers and it can be overwhelming to navigate. The crowds are huge on fight night and they don’t seem to die down until well after the show is over, so I was grateful to have someone I could trust to follow.

Seeing Lucha Libre Independently

Maybe you’re not a joiner, maybe your budget is tight, or maybe you just enjoy exploring things on your own. Whatever the case, if you want to see Lucha Libre independently you can!

I recommend seeing a show at Arena México to see the best Luchadores. Arena México is located a short walk from Cuauhtémoc Metro Station and is easily accessible by Uber, or on foot from Roma.

Tickets range in price from $100MXN [$6USD/$8CAD] to $300MXN [$20USD/$24CAD] depending on the seating area you choose.

You have two options to purchase your Lucha Libre tickets. You can purchase your tickets online in advance (fees apply) or you can purchase them on the day at the box office at the arena.

• Tickets that are purchased online are about 20-50% more expensive as they include service charges. The tickets also must be printed or collected at Will Call. Your ticket status may be changed to Pick Up to verify your ID and credit card information.

If you’re comfortable speaking Spanish, you can purchase tickets in person at the box office on the day. To get good seats , make sure you go early .

If you have to pick up your tickets or you’re going last minute, expect the box office to be chaotic . There are different lines for Will Call and new purchases, and it can be overwhelming especially if you don’t speak Spanish .

The ring is in the middle of the arena so there are really no bad seats ! The best (and most expensive) seats are the floor seats which are called Ring Naranja, Ring Verde, Ring Azul, and Ring Rojo. There is also a wheelchair accessible section called PCD.

• The arena is located in an unsafe area of Mexico City. If you decide to visit independently make sure you read the Safety section of this article first.

It can be a hassle to catch a Lucha Libre show if you’re not a local or you don’t speak Spanish. I strongly recommend taking a tour like I did, which makes this experience safe, fun, and uncomplicated. You can check out my Lucha Libre tour here .

When & Where To See Lucha Libre In Mexico City

Mexico City has Lucha Libre live shows at Arena Coliseo on Saturday nights and Arena México on Tuesday and Friday nights. There are also family friendly shows on Sunday afternoons at Arena México .

I recommend seeing a show at Arena México if your schedule permits. Arena México is a larger arena where the major fights happen making the experience that much more exciting.

What To Expect At Lucha Libre

If there’s one thing to expect at a Lucha Libre show in Mexico City, it’s excitement! You can feel the energy pumping from the arena as you walk up and you know you’re in for a fun night.

What To Expect At The Arena

When you arrive at Arena México you’ll see vendors selling food, drinks and souvenirs (don’t worry, they’ll still be there when you leave). The rush of people will soon have you following the flow into the arena.

When you enter the arena there will be security checking tickets and sometimes giving pat downs and bag searches. In my experience in Mexico, this usually happens to locals more than visitors, unless they already suspect something.

If you’re with a tour, just follow the guide, but if you’re visiting independently you may need some help finding your seats.

There will be many, easy to find attendants in blue pinnies/vests ready to help you find your way. If you take their help make sure to tip them a few pesos to say thank you.

Once you find your seat, you can think about supplies for the show!

Some snack and drink vendors make their way through the crowds and you can purchase snacks like chips, popcorn, and beer right from your seat .

Otherwise, you can make your way back out of the arena into the lobby where you’ll find more food and drink vendors.

The vendors in the lobby sell everything from snacks like chips and candy to hot food like hotdogs and tortas (delicious, hot sandwiches). You’ll also find bar stalls that sell soft drinks known as refrescos and others selling beer cocktails .

• Beer cocktails are very popular in Mexico. Micheladas are the most popular, made up of beer , tomato juice , lime juice , and hot sauce , served over ice in a tangy , spice rimmed cup.

Bathrooms are also available in this area as well as some more souvenir stands selling masks and other Luchador merch.

What To Expect At The Show

And now.. the moment you’ve all been waiting for! It’s SHOW TIME!

Expect a spectacle! The buzz of the crowd is electric with anticipation and suddenly the show begins. Bright coloured lights, stream around the darkened arena, fire blasts up from the stage, and the faces of the warriors flash across the big screen.

The entrances are just as dramatic as the fights themselves. I saw one team of Luchadores come in on motorcycles, while shooting flames in the air to a soundtrack of heavy metal.

The crowd reacts strongly to each Luchador with cheers or jeers, giving you a clue if you should expect a good guy or a bad guy in the ring.

When they reach the ring the Luchadores will pump up the audience. Jumping off the ropes, doing flips, and calling for noise. Once the opponents are in the ring the referee will start the fight and then they’re off!

Expect flips and flying, tackles and taunting. Inside the ring and out, the Luchadores fight for their honour and bragging rights across three intense rounds before a victor is ultimately named.

Before long you’ll find yourself joining in, booing when the crowd boos and cheering when they cheer.

What To Expect After The Show

When the show is over (or when you’re ready to leave) you will make your way back out to the street where you’ll see countless vendors. This is a great place to find unique Luchador souvenirs like shopping bags, clothing, masks, and toys.

• Expect to haggle here. The price I was given for things was very different than the price my guide was given, but thankfully he was there to help me.

You may even find a Luchador or two offering a meet and greet for a few pesos.

Once you’ve finished your shopping call your Uber right away or head to the other side of Av. Cuauhtémoc. Do not wander around this area.

Need To Know Before You Go

Lucha Libre is so much fun but to keep things chugging along smoothly there are a few things you should know before you go.

Safety Tips For Lucha Libre

Safety first! Mexico City is a safe city so I don’t want to alarm you. But as with any major, busy, nighttime event anywhere in the world, there are some precautions you should take to stay safe.

The most important safety concern you need to be aware of is the location of the arenas.

Lucha Libre matches take place at night in Mexico City, and while Mexico City is generally a safe place and somewhere I comfortably walk around at night, this warning is area specific.

Arena México, which is likely where your show will be, is located in the barrio of Doctores which is one of the least safe areas in Mexico City.

Before you panic and decide not to go, the arena is located a 2 minute walk from Avenida Cuauhtémoc and just on the other side of this road is Roma , which is one of the safest areas in Mexico City.

It is important that you not spend more time in Doctores than you need to. There are plenty of great options for food and drink in Roma, before and after the show.

When it’s time to head to the arena, make your way straight over Av. Cuauhtémoc and into the arena. When the show is over, you may want to pick up a couple of souvenirs at the outside vendors, then make your way back over Av. Cuauhtémoc straight away.

• To Be Clear : Going to see Lucha Libre is not a dangerous or risky activity.

If you are concerned about getting lost or navigating this area at night it is best that you book a Lucha Libre tour .

Here are a few other safety tips for your night at the wrestling:

FAQs: Lucha Libre Mexico City

You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers!

How Much Does Lucha Libre Cost in Mexico City?

An organized Lucha Libre tour in Mexico City costs around $50USD/$65CAD and includes a local guide, tickets to good seats, a Luchador mask to keep, a pulque tasting, and live music. Tickets alone cost anywhere from $100MXN [$6USD/$8CAD] to $300MXN [$20USD/$24CAD]

How Long Is a Lucha Libre Show in Mexico City?

Lucha Libre shows in Mexico City typically last 3 hours. They are usually several undercard fights before the main event and each fight has 3 rounds.

What Should I Wear to Lucha Libre?

Dress comfortably and warm! The arena is chilly at night, the walls and floors are concrete and the seats are cold plastic.

Jeans and a jacket with some easy to walk in shoes would be perfect attire for a Lucha Libre show. Avoid backpacks and opt for a crossbody bag in case of pickpockets.

Summary: Lucha Libre Mexico City

Lucha Libre is a must for anyone visiting Mexico City and alongside a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacán , is one of my favourite things I’ve ever done in Mexico.

You don’t have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy Lucha Libre because it’s just as much theatre as it is sport! This is a unique cultural event that is exclusive to Mexico and so much fun for everyone I think it belongs on every Mexico City itinerary .

Whether you decide to go it alone or you decide to take a tour, this is one of the top things that make Mexico City worth visiting and adds another layer of flavour to an already incredible city.

Matador Original Series

Mask-wearing and lycra-clad luchadores will give you the time of your life in mexico city.

W hen it comes to sport, just about every country in the world has its idiosyncrasy. India’s got Kabaddi , Australia has footy , Ireland’s got hurling , and Mexico has lucha libre, a form of wrestling that’s deeply ingrained in popular culture and a lot of fun to watch. And it’s not hard to catch a fight if you know where to look: Mexico City.

What is lucha libre?

What does lucha libre mean, is lucha libre staged, where to watch lucha libre in mexico city, how to buy lucha libre tickets mexico city.

• Do they serve beer at lucha libre in Mexico City?

What are some of the big names in lucha libre?

Where to stay in mexico city.

Photo: username /Shutterstock

Lucha libre is a form of professional wrestling originating from Mexico. It’s characterized by its high-flying maneuvers, acrobatic moves, and its distinctive, colorful masks (and tight Lycra pants) worn by the wrestlers, known as luchadores .

Lucha libre is not merely a sport; it is a cultural phenomenon that encompasses performance, spectacle, and a sense of national identity. While Lucha Libre bears resemblance to WWE fighting, it is unique in its blend of athleticism and theatricality.

Lucha libre’s impact extends beyond Mexico. Its popularity has exploded in the United States, partly due to the TV show “Mucha Lucha”, an animated television series for children.

Lucha libre is a Spanish term that translates to “freestyle wrestling” in English. It’s used to describe a form of professional wrestling that originated in Mexico, characterized by colorful masks, and fast and acrobatic moves.

Lucha libre fights are indeed staged. Much like with WWE, the aim is to provide an entertaining performance for the audience rather than to conduct a genuine competitive wrestling match. However, this doesn’t detract from the athleticism and skills of the athletes involved. Although the storylines and outcomes are pre-determined, the physical feats executed by the wrestlers are real.

That being said, not all matches are strictly scripted. Some luchadores have a degree of freedom in their performances. So, while the overarching narrative may be planned, the specific actions and interactions between wrestlers can vary.

There are two extremely famous venues in Mexico City where you can watch lucha libre fights:

• Arena México : Opened since 1956, it is the most celebrated lucha libre venue — it is even nicknamed the “Cathedral of Lucha Libre.” The arena can hold 13,700 spectators. There are fights every Tuesday at 7:30 PM, Friday at 8:30 PM, Sunday at 5 PM. Arena Mexico is located in the Colonia Doctores neighborhood.
• Arena Coliseo : Opened since 1943, it is the city’s original venue for lucha libre fights. It can seat 6,863 guests. There are fights every Saturday at 7:30 PM. Arena Coliseo is located in the city’s Historic District

If you want to catch a lucha libre fight in Mexico City, more specifically at Arena Mexico or Arena Coliseo , you can purchase your ticket at the ticket office at the entrance of the arena. You can also buy your ticket via Ticketmaster but you’ll pay significant service charges and the whole process is a bit of a hassle. Do not buy tickets from scalpers outside the venue.

Do they serve beer at lucha libre fights in Mexico City?

There are food and drinks vendors going through the venue during the fights. You can purchase beer, candy floss, donuts, popcorn, hot dogs, hamburgers, tostilocos , and more.

Some of the most famous luchadores of all times are:

• El Santo (Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta) : Perhaps the most iconic figure in the world of lucha ibre, El Santo’s career spanned nearly five decades from 1942 to 1982. He was famous for wearing a silver-color mask and appeared in movies and comic books. His son also became a luchador, whose lucha libre name is El Hijo del Santo, of course. Like his father, he wears his silver mask in the ring. (El Santo was buried with his mask.)
• Blue Demon (Alejandro Muñoz Moreno) : Blue Demon is another legendary figure in lucha libre and a contemporary of El Santo. He is known for his rivalry with El Santo. Blue Demon’s real name and face were hidden to the public until his death. He was buried with his mask
• Mil Mascaras (Aaron Rodríguez) : Mil Mascaras, which translates to “A Thousand Masks,” is known for his aerial moves and his wide array of colorful masks.

We hope you love the hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

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Uncover the Excitement of Lucha Libre: Your Ultimate Mexico City Guide for the Best Wrestling Experience

Stepping into the Lucha Libre Arena in Mexico City , you are immediately overwhelmed by all five of your sense. But in the best way possible. The sound of coordinated chants by the audience crashes across the stadium. Your eyes dart across the room, watching lights glow bright red, green and yellow overhead. And in a flash, a series of fireworks and flames erupt from around the stage. The warmth of the fire felt against your chest. The pungent smell coming from the smoke, which billows out from the ramp leading  luchadors  (wrestlers) into the ring, fills the air.

Sitting down in your seats, you sip a traditional michelada , a crisp local beer smothered in chamoy sauce and dusted with spicy tajin. Paired with fresh chicharrones and popcorn, all also covered in Valentina sauce. As the match explodes before your eyes, you can almost feel the hard  smack  of the wrestler’s back as he gets flipped upside down. Pounded onto the all too hard-looking mat underfoot. Words you might once not have understood take on new meaning, and you begin to copy the cheers and roars of the crowd around you. Yelling in favour of your favourite characters and booing the villains that grace the stage. This is the world of  Lucha Libre !

Freedome Arena Bar

Lucha libre , which translates to “freestyle wrestling,” is a form of professional wrestling unique to Mexico. Its history dates back to the early 1930s when a former colonel of the revolution invited an American wrestler to come to Mexico. They set out to stage a series of exhibitions. The wrestling matches caught on like wildfire with the locals. And it wasn’t long before they would create their unique identity within the sport. 

La Maravilla Enmascarada

In 1934,  La Maravilla Enmascarada,  was intorduced to Mexico. This was American wrestler Mackey , who had previously wrestled but to little fanfare. On his return to Mexico, he wanted to introduce himself as a new persona. So Mackey donned a mask and took on a new name. The mystery of who the man under the mask was intrigued the audience, and he was an instant hit! And it wasn’t long before more wrestlers were also choosing to wear a mask. With a mask, you could be anyone or any thing.  It soon became a part of the sport that you had to be unmasked if you lost a match. 

Lucha Libre made a name for itself, unique from American wrestling with its colourful characters, high-flying acrobatics, and dramatic storylines. Lucha libre continued to evolve over the years, with new wrestlers and new styles emerging. Today, you’ll see that not every wrestler  needs  to wear a mask, but some prefer to do so for the flare it gives to their costume and appearance.

You can’t really talk about Lucha Libre without mentioning  El Santo . El Santo is one of the most iconic and legendary figures in the world of Lucha Libre. Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta , the man inside the mask, first came to the ring as “ El Enmascarado de Plata ” (The Man in The Silver Mask.) El Santo’s iconic outfit consisted of his striking silver mask and distinctive white and silver costume. El Santo became known throughout his career for his heroic persona, often portraying a character who fought for justice and defended the oppressed. Earning his new nickname, “El Santo,” or “ the Saint .” Throughout his over four-decade-long career, El Santo was never unmasked. As he never lost a match. When he died he was even buried with the mask he wore his entire career.

Where to See Lucha Libre in Mexico City?

The Arena Mexico is the most famous venue for Lucha Libre in Mexico City. It’s located in Colonia Doctores , just east of the popular neighbourhood of Roma Norte . While there are also matches held inside the Arena Coliseo , this is a much smaller venue further outside of town. And since there are always multiple shows at Arena Mexico every week there’s no need to have to travel anywhere else.

Group Tours Vs. Independent Visits

You can make a trip to see a Lucha Libre match simply on your own, by purchasing your tickets independently or via a tour group . These tour groups are much more expensive than just buying the tickets on your own. But with the tour, you often get a much more layered experience. These tours often start hours before the show and feature everything from meet and greet with real wrestlers, mask-making workshops and general history presentations. Great to help newbies get acquainted with the sport.

But the best advantage of going with a group is you having someone with you to take care of all the logistics. This is the best choice if you’re a more cautious or new traveller. These organized tours cost anywhere from $55-100 USD. This is one of the tours we recommend .

But going on your own is really easier than you think. Plus it’s much less expensive and you can spend the money saved on treats and souvenirs from the match! Hopefully, if you want to go on your own, this guide will help you navigate your first-time experience.

How to Get To Arena Mexico

Since Arena Mexico is located in the heart of the city, getting there it is very convenient. If you are staying in Roma Norte , you can even just walk. But from the rest of the city, I recommend taking an Uber to and from. Ubers are cheap and safe, and there are lots of spots where cars can drop and pick you up. Even though there are lots of taxis around the Arena after the show, Ubers are always the most reliable and safe option.

If you’d prefer to take public transportation you can arrive and depart via the Cuauhtémoc station only 5-minutes from the Arena Mexico.

How to Get Tickets for Lucha Libre at the Arena Mexico

Tickets for Lucha Libre matches are usually available on the day of the event at the arena box office. However, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to avoid long queues and ensuring a good seat. You can buy tickets online from Ticketmaster . Tickets range in price from $420 pesos to $180 pesos ($22 USD to $10.

Best Seats in the House

The best place to sit is close to the ring. If you want the best pictures, the seats directly opposite the ramp makes for the most dramatic compositions. But if you want to see the wrestlers close up, sitting beside the ramp is your best option! Honestly, the Arena isn’t huge, so no matter where you sit you’re bound to have a great time. But you might as well shell out a few extra dollars to get up close to the action. If you find yourself in the very front row, don’t be surprised if you become a part of the show itself!

A new addition to Arena Mexico is tickets to the Freedom Bar . These tickets are located in small boxes around the stadium. These tickets claim to have the best view of the ring, but I prefer to be down on the ground. But they are more private, and you get more perspective on the entire ring. The tickets include unlimited buffet food, beer, soft drinks and non-alcoholic drinks during the show. You also get a free wrestler mask, and you might even have a guest wrestler greet you at your table. Some private bathrooms and waiters come to your table. The cost of these tickets is $999 pesos ($54 USD), but it’s a unique splurge for a very special experience. Remember: this does not include tips.

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What to Expect

When you arrive at Arena Mexico, you’ll have your ticket scanned and usually, there is a security officer who gives you a quick pat down. Once inside you’ll be greeted by one of the ushers, or “ acomodaor, ” wearing blue aprons. They will also take scan or look at your ticket and guide you to your seat. It’s wonderful to have this kind of service, especially as a newbie who doesn’t know the arena.

When you get to the row where your seat number is located, don’t be surprised if they usher asks you to sit at the end of the row. Instead of in the exact number on your ticket. This is just how they ensure people don’t have to keep getting up to let late comers in. Don’t worry if this happens. The rows are only about 6-8 seats long so the exact number really doesn’t change your view dramatically. But it confuses us the first time it happened, so good to know what to expect

After the usher brings you to your seats, you should give them a very small tip, or “ propina .” Don’t feel like you’re getting ripped off as a tourist. This is very normal and even the locals do this. It’s just a nice way to give them a little something for their efforts. Whatever change you have will suffice, it’s more of a gesture of thanks than anything.

Food & Drink

Once you’ve located your seats, it’s time to grab something to eat. Many vendors move throughout the crowd during the matches, so you can purchase food and drinks without even leaving your seat. The selection is rather small but there’s everything you need for a traditional sports snack. The vendors going around the stadium usually have chips and popcorn. And be sure to ask for one of their little packets of  Valentina  hot sauce if you want to amp up the flavour. They also sell beers, “ cervezas ,” and sodas “ refrescos. “

Food Stalls

If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial you can head back to the food stalls inside the lobby. Here the selection is a bit larger with things like sweets and candies, nachos, hot dogs and even fresh “tortas,” (sandwiches.) You can also find a little larger selection of beers and drinks.

If you’re looking for a true Mexican specialty, head to the  Micheladas  stand. A  michelada  is a Mexican drink that combines beer, lime juice, hot sauce and tomato juice. It is served in a cup rimmed with chamoy (spicy-sweet sauce made of pickled fruit) and tajin (spice mix made of chilli peppers, lime, and salt.) This combination of spicy, savoury and sweet is a staple of Mexican cuisine and a great thing to try here at the Lucha match. If you aren’t a fan of the tomato juice (as I am not), you can instead try a  Chelada instead. Its the same ingredients, just without the tomato juice.

Souvenir Masks

Also for sale in the lobby are souvenirs from the match. Everything from replica masks of the favourite wrestlers to t-shirts and posters. The quality of these products is definitely high, but if you just want to buy a mask to dress up for the match, you can find many cheaper ones at the market. Or even for sale directly outside the Arena by street vendors. These won’t be perfect replicas of the ones the wrestlers wear, but they are just as fun if you aren’t looking for the real thing. I’ve found masks for as little as $5 and it makes getting into the spirit even easier!

The Matches

Lucha Libre matches are a high-energy spectacle with colourful masks, acrobatic moves, and exciting storylines. The matches are divided into rounds, each lasting for a few minutes. There are usually three rounds in total, with a break in between each round. During these breaks is when you’ll see the drama break out. With wrestlers taunting each other and lots of action from the sidelines. Lucha Libre is a family-friendly event, and you can expect to see people of all ages cheering and shouting for their favourite wrestlers. 

In almost every match, there will be the “ técnicos,” or the good guys and the “ rudos,”  who are the evildoers. The  rudos  will often taunt the  técnicos  and are bound to be on the receiving end of “boos” from the audience. But in my opinion, the rudos often have the most amazing costumes, props and best entrances featuring fire and flames.

The luchadors must pin their opponents to the ground for about 10 seconds to win a match. Often you’ll hear the audience counting down before the pinned wrestler gets away just at the last second. Creating lots of dramatic cries from the crowd. Other times a luchador could win if the opponent is disqualified. This can happen if they use an illegal move or by enlisting help from another team member that wasn’t supposed to be in the match. There is always something afoot ontop of the exciting moves see in the ring.

Is it all Real?

Whether professional wrestling is “ real”  or not is something you often hear people asking when attending their first Lucha Libre event. While the storylines and outcome of the matches are pre-determined, the absolute athleticism you see during the shows is definitely REAL! Especially in Lucha Libre, the high-flying stunts they pull are phenomenal. They left my jaw on the floor multiple times. And even the “fake” hits they take from one other look like they could really hurt. You need to be in amazing shape to participate in these performances, which is a talent that is undoubtedly something to admire.

Tips for Attending Your First Lucha Libre

• Remember to bring cash. You’ll need it to buy food and drinks. But don’t bring any more than you think you’ll need. About 600 pesos should be enough for two alcoholic drinks a person and some snacks.
• Remember to tip your attendant!
• Don’t bring valuables or expensive items, as pickpocketing can be a problem in crowded areas.
• Leave your fancy camera at home. Phones are fine, so you’ll still be able to take lots of photos with them.
• Arrive early to avoid traffic coming into the Arena. Plus, arriving early means you can get settled with food and drink, so you don’t miss a minute of the show!
• You cannot bring in any outside food or drink so remember to leave water bottles at home.

Attending a Lucha Libre match in Mexico City is an unforgettable experience you don’t want to miss. This show is about drama, even if you’re not a sports fan. It’s about evil vs. good and long-held grudges being fought in front of your eyes. It’s one of my favourite things to do on a night in Mexico City, and I hope you try it yourself!

Happy Travels, Adventurers.

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Lucha libre in Mexico City: masks, music and wrestling

Jo Williams

• Watching lucha libre in Mexico City

Want to watch the lucha libre in Mexico City? Book an organised tour, including tickets, tacos and drinks.

Lucha libre is a big deal in Mexico, and Mexico City is at the heart of it all. Arena Mexico is the place to come to see some of the biggest names in the business, but it still feels kind of local.

As soon as you enter the huge arena, the raucous atmosphere hits you. A crowd of colourful masks, bright lights, music and all of the collective anticipation of thousands of people.

The first wrestler enters the stage and the crowd erupts with applause and cheering. “This isn’t going to be a non-participation event”, I think to myself as I hear my partner chanting along with the crowd.

He’s a wrestling fan, I’m just here to make up the numbers.

But lucha libre is one of the most popular sports in the country, and watching the wrestling is not only incredibly fun, but also an amazing way to get some insight into Mexican culture. It's an absolute must if you are in Mexico City for any length of time.

If you’ve ever seen Jack Black strutting around in lycra in “Nacho Libre”, you’re probably already familiar with the luchadores. These wrestlers are part gymnasts, part actors. Lucha libre is not just fighting, it’s more than that.

It’s a magnificently choreographed show that enthralls the audience with every dive, aerial assault and wipeout. Heckling is encouraged as you cheer on the técnicos (good), and boo and swear at the rudos (bad).

A mascara (mask) is worn by most luchadores to keep their identities a secret. Losers will sometimes be de-masked and have to continue their careers in shame.

If you're confident with Spanish and navigating Mexico City, you can go to the lucha libre independently. Otherwise, joining a tour is great for navigating the logistics, learning some of the background and getting an understanding of the chants and how they're used... but more on both below.

Our experience watching lucha libre

Across from where we’re sitting a grandma and her grandson cheer wildly, their reactions hinged on every move of one luchador in particular.

It’s a family-friendly event, the ridiculously macho luchadores are more like superheroes than fighters. With their oiled skin and intricate costumes, they could be straight out of Hollywood.

But this beautifully choreographed match is no ballet, wrestlers fly through the air and crash into each other with such force that the ground shakes beneath us.

If we’re judging off injuries alone, I’d say football is the softer sport by far, the luchadores often end up oozing blood from a fall gone wrong.

A petite lady behind us screams expletives in Spanish and I nearly fall off my chair. It seems the move pulled off by one of the rudos was particularly dastardly. But it just makes the técnicos eventual victory all the sweeter.

Of course, as a Brit, I’m programmed to route for the underdog and get a little upset when the bad guy is thrown off the stage and body slammed into the tables. He did have a great costume too.

Throughout all of the chaos, vendors are milling around in the crowd selling drinks, huge bags of Chicharrón and fresh boxes of Domino's pizza.

Just watching them is almost entertainment enough as they wizz through the crowd with pinpoint precision. Also for sale are toys for the kids and merch for the show.

Every match seems to outdo the last. Now there are two on two, four on four, five on one! What is actually happening is anyone's guess, but everyone seems to be having a great time.

Just when you think it can’t get any crazier, female ‘luchadores exóticos’ and ‘los minis’ appear on stage, proceding to beat up the bad guys and save the hero.

The final match sees me up out of my chair along with the rest of the audience, shouting phrases I only barely understand. I’m fully invested in the characters after just a couple of hours.

As the show comes to a close the grandma and grandson duo head to the stage to congratulate the (slightly tired) old wrestler that they have been cheering for (louder than anyone else in the crowd). It dawns on us that she’s his wife, and she probably takes their grandson to see every match.

I think we learned more about Mexican culture in those two hours than every museum, cathedral and ancient site that we visited in a month.

Lucha libre tours in Mexico City

For a great way to learn the history of lucha libre from a local, as well as visiting a local taquería, join a tour with a local guide.

The tours make for a fun night out, with little stress or concern over logistics. You can have a few beers and tacos before the lucha libre and get an idea of what to expect before finding yourself in the madness of the arena.

But the best part of doing a lucha libre tour is that you get to experience it as a group and really get involved in the local culture. You can ask all the niggly questions that come up in the stadium and - like many sporting events - watching with more people just adds to the fun.

Your guide will spend some time teaching you the local chants, as well as their translations, and find out when (and when not) to join in. By the end, you'll even be able to make up your own.

Prices range from $38 - 50 USD, depending on the tour and usually include a couple of beers, an entrance ticket to the lucha libre show and a free lucha libre mask.

Going to the lucha libre independenly

There are two arenas in Mexico City that have regular lucha libre matches. The Arena Mexico is the undisputed ‘Cathedral of lucha libre’, built especially for this spectacle. The huge 17,000 person capacity means it’s never hard to find tickets, but book in advance if you want seats near the front.

You can also watch lucha libre at the Arena Coliseo. Known as the Lagunilla Funnel, this arena used to be the place to go before Arena Mexico took over in the 50’s. But they still host many shows and it is a much more intimate experience without all of the technology.

You can get up close to some of the big names and there are no bad seats here as it’s much smaller. Arena Coliseo is also easier to get to if you’re staying in Centro as it’s in the Lagunilla District.

A note on safety

Many warn of the dangerous areas around both of these arenas, and advise not to hang around after dark. However, the shows are real family events and you will be leaving with a big crowd of people.

Of course, you should always take care when visiting large cities at night time , but we didn’t feel any more at risk than usual. Leave valuables at home, don’t get too intoxicated, stay in well lit areas, and plan your transport home as you would on any night out.

When we went by ourselves, we walked to the Arena and got an Uber back. If you do get an Uber or a taxi, make sure to walk away from the arena slightly as the roads can be chaotic when the show finishes. Find a safe spot where they can pull over, and you will have no trouble getting back to your accommodation.

When is lucha libre in Mexico City?

Arena México hosts regular luchas every Tuesday at 19:30, Friday at 20:30 and Sunday at 17:00.

Arena Coliseo has shows every Saturday at 19:30, and also hosts special events.

Times can change so make sure to double check the website in advance. You can also watch lucha libre as part of an organised tour .

How much is lucha libre in Mexico City?

Prices to see a wrestling match at Arena Mexico vary depending on the event, day and where your seat is located. But it’s not expensive. You can usually pick a ticket up at the door for between $7 to $35 USD or buy tickets online.

Arena Coliseo is slightly cheaper, expect to pay between $2.50 to $15 USD at the door, or a bit more when booking through Ticketmaster depending on fees.

Other useful information

Matches usually last for 2 hours. There’s plenty going on and no chances to get bored. Stock up on refreshments, don’t forget to tip the guy/girl that takes you to your seat and buy a mask from the market outside.

The market outside Arena Mexico is jam packed, wall-to-wall, with masks in every style and colour combination imaginable. Many people buy them here and wear them to the show, but it’s not a requirement. It’s worth allowing for a bit of extra time before the show to look around.

Planning a trip to Mexico City? You may be interested in reading:

Where to stay in Mexico City

Mexico City three-day itinerary

Mexico City travel tips .

• Introduction
• Our experience
• Lucha libre tours
• Days and times
• Other useful info

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Author - Jo Williams

Jo Williams is a freelance writer with 10 years' experience working in travel and tourism. A Brit who got fed up with the 9 to 5 corporate life, she sold everything to become a full-time wanderer.

Jo has travelled to over 70 countries and worked throughout Europe for a major tour operator. She hopes to inspire you to work less and travel more.

Last Updated 29 January 2024

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Backpacking in Mexico

Lucha libre in mexico city – your guide to mexican wrestling.

A visit to the Lucha Libre in Mexico City is an essential part of your visit to the capital, and is great fun – especially if you go in a group and have a few drinks beforehand to really get in the swing of it!  Here’s all you need to know about going to watch the incredible Mexican wrestling known as Lucha Libre at the Arena Mexico in Mexico City.

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Know Before You Go to Mexico City

Before travelling to Mexico City, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.

🛌 MY FAVOURITE HOTELS IN MEXICO CITY FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS:

$$ Casa Mannach – Excellent location in Condesa with a shared kitchen 

$$ NaNa Vida CDMX – Lovely hotel in Roma Norte with a roof terrace

$ Hostel Home : I volunteered here for 3 months and loved it!

⭐ TOP 3 MEXICO CITY ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:

1. Mexico City: Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco Tour

2. Mexico City: Xochimilco, Coyoacan, Frida Kahlo & UNAM

3. Mexico City: Historic Downtown Walking Tour

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Lucha Libre in Mexico City – A Bit of History

Literally translated as “Free Fighting”, Lucha Libre is similar to American WWF Wrestling and the like, but usually includes more high flying jumps & athletic moves than its American equivalent.  And of course, Lucha Libre is easily recognised with those all-important lucha libre masks which hide the identity of the luchadores (fighters).

Lucha Libre dates back to 1863, but became more popular after the 1933 founding of the Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (Mexican Wrestling Enterprise), then with the invention of television allowing the sport to reach a much larger following.  Lucha Libre in Mexico City is a popular pasttime for locals and tourists alike, who want to catch a glimpse of their favourite luchador.

The most famous luchador in Lucha Libre was named El Santo (The Saint), who wore a silver mask & fought for nearly 5 decades.  He became a symbol of justice for Mexicans, and appeared in comics and films battling his rival Blue Demon, and other fighters as well as more unusual foes like zombies, vampires and werewolves!  Ever wondered where the film Nacho Libre got inspiration? Here it is folks!

Want More Mexico Travel Ideas?

• Backpacking Mexico Travel Guide
• Cancun on a Budget
• Chichen Itza Tips
• Chichen Itza vs Tulum
• How to Get from Tulum to Chichen Itza
• Tulum on a Budget
• Cheap Hotels in Tulum
• Unique Places to Visit in Mexico
• Visiting the Pink Lakes in Mexico
• Cozumel Solo Travel Guide
• The Best Things to do in Mexico City
• Xochimilco - Mexico City's Venice
• Lucha Libre in Mexico City

Lucha Libre Masks

Not every luchador fighter in Lucha Libre wears a mask, but for the majority, the mask hides their true identity and is a vital part of their luchador persona. 

In the early days, the Mexican wrestling masks were more simplistic with different colours to distinguish the wrestler, but have gradually developed into more complex designs with some transforming the wearer into horned animals, gods and ancient heroes. 

Sometimes high stakes fights include fighting for your opponent’s mask, and losing their lucha libre mask can mean the end of a luchador’s career – or at least the end of the persona they created.  Some fighters never remove their masks in public, and El Santo continued to wear his mask long after retirement and was even buried wearing it.

Is it Worth it to Watch Lucha Libre in Mexico City?

I had a great time watching Lucha Libre in Mexico City and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and 100% Mexican activity. 

However, don’t be under any illusion that Lucha Libre is a fight.  You are going to watch a show, but that isn’t to say this isn’t dangerous, as the luchadores (fighters) perform jumps, flips and throws that are carefully choreographed. 

Occasionally things do go wrong, there was a case in 2015 when the luchador known as El Hijo de Perro Aguayo tragically died after falling badly and suffering a brain injury during a fight in Tijuana. 

So enjoy the show, and admire the luchadores – part athletes, part actors, and 100% entertainers, as they pretend to tear each other apart in, and around the wrestling arena and get ready to yell and scream with everyone around you!

Lucha Libre Mexico City Tickets

In Arena Mexico, Tuesdays and Fridays are the nights for Mexican wrestling in Mexico City.  They also have a family session on Sunday afternoons. 

You can buy Lucha Libre tickets in advance on Ticketmaster ( check the official Ticketmaster website here ), which I’d recommend for the Friday night sessions, or just turn up to the Arena Mexico & buy tickets on the night.  If you want the best seats then buy them in advance, but if you’re happy just to get involved then a reasonable ticket on the raised section will cost around 120 pesos.

I would recommend going to watch Mexico City Lucha Libre on a Friday night, when the Arena Mexico fills with stressed, usually drunk Mexicans who are up for a night of cathartic shouting and screaming at, and for, their favourite fighters.  The first time I went on a Tuesday, and we got seats closer to the front as it was less busy, but the atmosphere was nowhere near as good as it was on Friday.

This is definitely an event best shared with friends!  Perhaps you can get together a group from your hostel, or join a Lucha Libre tour.  The more the merrier as they say, and going for a few drinks beforehand helps combat any shyness with the lucha libre chants you are about to be yelling!

If you’re looking for a lucha libre tour in Mexico City, I used Estacion Mexico , or you can check these options from GetYourGuide:

Watching Lucha Libre in Mexico City

The Lucha Libre shows at Arena Mexico last for around two hours.  It’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts so you can find your seats and get started with a beer or a Michelada like the locals do.

The announcer gets the crowd warmed up and as the fighters are announced, they make a dramatic entrance and come down the stairs to their theme tune, supported by the obligatory girls dancing (badly) in bikinis. 

I loved to take sides depending on which song was my favourite, although the bad guys often had better rock songs as their theme! 

The good guys (also known as ‘Tecnicos’) are usually the favourites with the crowd, and the bad guys (known as “Rudos”) often dress all in black and completely disregard the rules, attacking the good guys 3 on 1, all the while receiving glorious boos from the eager spectators in the Arena Mexico.

Lucha Libre Chants

Many Mexicans attend the fights to let off steam, and really get involved shouting various insults at the fighters they don’t like, or who aren’t playing fair.

According to our guide from Estación Mexico, the three most important phrases you will need for the night so you can join in the lucha libre chants:

Cuuleerrrroooo (Culero) – coward or f*cking arsehole

Putooooohhooo (Puto) – literally translated as a male prostitute

Chinga tu Madre – F*ck your mother

Apparently, these are the favourite swear words that are yelled at the fighters during the Lucha Libre match.  I wouldn’t advise using these outside the Mexico City arena, but the 8-year-old boy behind us was shouting these along with his father and who I assume was his grandmother so it seems acceptable here!  

What to Bring to Lucha Libre in Mexico City

The Arena de Mexico bag policy is quite strict and bags are searched on entry.  You are not allowed any cameras or video cameras inside the Arena de Mexico, they will be taken off you.  You will get it back after the show – you’re given a ticket to show in exchange. 

Water bottles and other drinks and food are not allowed either, although mobile phones are fine.

Soft drinks, beer, and tons of Mexican snacks are available inside the arena.  Sellers patrol the aisles offering beer  & soft drinks, popcorn, toffee apples, nachos, crisps and more besides.

There is no dress code, you can wear whatever you like to watch a Lucha Libre match.  I’d recommend wearing something comfortable and not too dressy.

If you want to wear that all-important lucha libre mask to support your favourite Luchador, sign up to a Lucha Libre tour with Estación Mexico which includes a mask as part of your package.  Alternatively, there are plenty for sale just outside the arena to buy before or after the show.  I even saw little luchador wrestler dolls & mini wrestling rings for sale outside too!

Thank you to Estación Mexico for hosting my tour to the Lucha Libre in Mexico City!  My tour was complimentary but the views are, as always, my own.  On their website you’ll find more information about the tour to Lucha Libre, which also includes a visit to a traditional pulque bar, and a Lucha Libre mask, as well as entrance to the show.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Each area in Mexico City has its own distinct personality and vibe.  Most visitors stay in Condesa, Roma, the Historic Centre, Polanco or Zona Rosa.  My favourite neighbourhood in Mexico City is around Roma and Condesa.  This area is full of cool bars and restaurants, leafy streets and a hip crowd, and is very safe.

You could also choose a hostel or hotel close to the Zocalo in the Centro Historico to get your fill of history, although the area is a bit dodgy at night during the day you are perfectly placed to explore the city. 

Polanco is another option where there are more hotels than hostels, or the Zona Rosa which is traditionally a student area with lots of bars, although I’d say that is better if you are travelling in a group.

Hotels in Mexico City

Casa Mannach – Excellent location in the heart of Condesa with a shared kitchen to prepare your own meals and socialise.  Choose from apartments or suites, some with balconies.  >>>CHECK PRICES & REVIEWS

NaNa Vida CDMX – Lovely hotel in Roma Norte with a roof terrace, spacious rooms and helpful staff.  >>>CHECK PRICES & REVIEWS

Stella Bed & Breakfast: This great value B&B in Mexico City gets rave reviews from visitors who love the included breakfast and the friendly, welcoming staff.  There is a shared terrace area, and the suite also has its own private terrace >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY

Kali Centro Mexico City – In the city centre, this beautiful hotel is close to the popular Mercado San Juan gourmet market, La Alameda Park, and many other sites. Enjoy the on-site breakfast and many other amenities offered. >>> BOOK NOW

Hotel Flamencos – Highly rated overall, but especially for its staff, this 4-star hotel is conveniently located near Zocalo Square, Metropolitan Cathedral, and National Palace. Their full suite of amenities make for a comfortable and memorable stay. >>> BOOK NOW

SEARCH ALL MEXICO CITY HOTELS

Hostels in Mexico City 

Hostel home.

When I travel alone, I often prefer to stay in hostels so I can meet other travellers more easily.  I loved Hostel Home in Roma, it really did feel like home. 

They have a private room, a female dorm room, and two mixed dorm rooms to choose from, although they do fill up fast so book in advance if you can.  There are plenty of bars and restaurants close by, although if you do go out alone at night, I still recommend taking an Uber home. >>>CHECK PRICES & REVIEWS

Other top-rated hostels in Mexico City Include: 

Casa Pancha – This modern and chic hostel has a female-only dormitory and 24-hour reception and security making it perfect for solo female travelers. Plus, they offer free breakfast and a free city tour for those stretching their travel budget. >>> BOOK NOW

Hostal Regina Centro Historico Ciudad de Mexico – Offers a number of options for solo female travelers including a female-only dorm room and private rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Plus, an on-site restaurant and entertainment, and amenities helpful to solo female travelers like 24-hour reception and security. >>> BOOK NOW

BOOK YOUR HOSTEL NOW

Apartments & Airbnbs in Mexico City

There are also plenty of options for Airbnb in Mexico City too although I usually prefer to book apartments on Booking.com as they often have better cancellation terms. 

Have you seen a Lucha Libre match in Mexico City?  What did you think?  I’d love to hear your opinions on Lucha Libre, leave your comments below.

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Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

25 thoughts on “ Lucha Libre in Mexico City – Your Guide to Mexican Wrestling! ”

it’s such good fun! Hope you get to see it live in Mexico one day!

Always wanted to watch some real live lucha libre

Haha glad to bring back some memories for you! It is such a fun time, and a really important part of Mexican culture too, the luchadores are heroes!

This post brought back some fun memories of cheering on (and jeering at) los luchadores. It’s not just in Mexico City – you’ll find traveling and local shows in most major cities, and lots of smaller ones. It’s basically the WWF de Mexico, and it’s a riot! 🙂

I’m going to my first one soon. I’m excited!!

Hi Steve, thanks so much for reading & for your comment. I hope you have an amazing time in Mexico, and oh yes Lucha Libre is something everyone should do in Mexico – fan or not! 🙂 Yes, that is me at the Salar de Uyuni, it was a magical trip, and one of my favourite photos of me ever!! I loved Bolivia, I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was a fantastic start to my Latin American adventure. Safe travels, and enjoy Mexico! Cheers! Claire

I have been a wrestling fan since the early 80s, so as it has has been so much a part of my life, I am always skeptical of people who are not fans, giving their take on what wrestling is. Pleasantly surprised, thank you Claire for the well written and informative review. I will be flying from Australia to Mexico in March. Part of what I am doing there will be taking in a Lucha show or two.

On another note, is your pic above of yourself, taken at Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia? That place is phenomenal. Safe travels.

Haha, why thank you 🙂 I wear it all the time!

haha – you have to get a mask for sure! I loved the colours & the showmanship, it was definitely entertaining!

Oh yes, the people in the front row were right in the middle of the action at times!

I love going to see performances or shows, luckily this happens every week so I had time to catch it. Uhh going to the opera house would be amazing, It hadn’t occurred to me there were actually shows there!!

I think I saw this on Fuller House?!?! Haha. What a cool experience while traveling. I never really go to ticketed events when I travel. In Sydney I meant to go to the Opera house for a performance, more than just to look at it, but never did. Good tips on what you can and can’t bring in. Always good to know. Never want a camera confiscated!!

Wow, I’ve been hearing and watching wrestling way back when I was still young and I think it must be really fun to watch it in person, especially if you are sitting close to the ring. I didn’t know that Mexico has this kind of game. I’ll surely try to experience this when I get the chance.

That sounds like quite a show! I remember as a kid being entertained by the early WWF antics here in the States, but this is so colorful! I definitely want to give a Lucha Libre show a go in Mexico! I’m sure Andy would love it, too — plus, I know he’d want one of those masks.

Haha such a lovely wrestling match to watch – I love the curse words and the colorful masks. By the way, they suit you so much 🙂 Loving your new look ;p

Sounds like a really fun way to experience the culture of Mexico City! I’ve always known Lucha Libre for their masks – I had no idea it was more of a show than a fight – wouldn’t have guessed!

Thanks for the tip on heading for a better atmosphere on Friday nights. Definitely one of the attractions I want to take in when we have the chance to visit 🙂

I love luchadores! I was first introduced to the culture from a cartoon called ¡Mucha Lucha! when I was a kid and was fascinated ever since. So interesting about the luchador who was buried in his mask! What a fun fact! I am going to Mexico in the fall so this is perfect, def want to check this out now.!

Looks like you had fun! This was interesting. I’m not really into the WWF, so I probably wouldn’t be really into this either though I appreciate how much time and effort these guys have to put into the choreography and working out all of the actions. Interesting to see what you thought of the real thing as the only other info I’ve seen about it was on an episode of CSI I think. ^^

What a fun experience! I’ve always wanted to see this in person. Hopefully I get to experience this in the near future.

I would love to attend a lucha libre match! It looks like so much fun and it’s such a deep-rooted part of Mexican traditions that it would be a sin not to go. You’re looking good in that mask – I think you’re ready for your first match. 😉

This always reminds me of the ‘Idiot Abroad’ episode where Karl took part in one of these events. It looks great fun and definitely a very insightful look into Mexican culture

How fun! I have been to Lucha Va Voom in Los Angeles but didn’t have time to attend an event in Mexico. I’ll have to put it on my list of priorities the next time I’m down south.

Honestly it really didn’t seem like ‘real’ violence. I agree, I hate boxing, UFC and all that but this was much more a show than actual fighting. You could see the luchadores placing themselves in the right position to ‘catch’ their leaping opponents, to me it looked like much more of a team sport than a fight, but I see your point 🙂

I can imagine the level of testosterone in that arena! I have mixed feelings about attending a place like Lucha Libre. I just don’t like any form of violence. But I understand that the fighters want to be there … mixed feelings.

Lucha Libre would be so interesting to go and see. Definitely something that is a unique style to Mexico. It reminds me of that movie Nacho Libre.

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• North America
• Where To Watch Mexican Wrestling...

Where to Watch Mexican Wrestling in Mexico City

Northern England Writer

Lucha libre, also known as Mexican wrestling, is a way of life for many people in Mexico City and a sport with the second-highest spectator rate after football in Mexico . Here’s where to watch it in the Mexican capital.

Mexican wrestling is an increasingly popular tourist attraction, with thousands of annual visitors considering it a key part of Mexican culture. They’re not wrong; it’s a spectacle like no other that surpasses the WWE in the US, throwing in some extra athleticism, spangle and Lycra for good measure.

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Arena México

The current home of Mexican wrestling is undeniably the enormous Arena México, built in the 1950s especially for the luchas (fights), which now hosts regular luchas every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Here, you can see some of Mexico’s most well-known luchadores (wrestlers), such as Máximo and Shocker, being threatened with the removal of their trademark masks and, with it, their masculinity, pride and reputation . It’s not really a surprise that this is known as the “cathedral of lucha libre” , and, with a 16,000+ capacity, you needn’t worry about getting tickets for your run-of-the-mill lucha . Just buy them at the door when you arrive, or online in advance. The only issue with this wrestling location is that the neighborhood in which it’s situated isn’t the most savory after dark. Therefore, don’t hang around for too long after the fight.

Arena Coliseo

If Arena México is the grandfather of Mexican wrestling venues, Arena Coliseo (also known as the Lagunilla Funnel) is more akin to the baby brother. Despite actually having been around for longer than its rival, this smaller and older arena simply didn’t have the capacity during the golden age of lucha libre and was cast aside. Nowadays, the capacity is double what it once was and actually equals that of Arena México. However, despite being shunned in the past, it still hosts regular luchas and is a popular venue to catch a spot of Mexican wrestling in the capital. Again, this arena is not situated in the greatest of neighborhoods, so don’t dawdle in getting back to your accommodation after a fight.

Arena Naucalpan

Our final suggestion for Mexican wrestling venues in Mexico City is the lesser-known and slightly more out-of-the-way Arena Naucalpan. As the name suggests, rather than located fairly centrally in the capital, it’s situated in the north-western municipality of Naucalpan. If you want a smaller and, arguably, less commercial, lucha libre experience, this is the destination for you. With a capacity of just 2,400 spectators, it’s certainly much more intimate and has been hosting regular luchas since the early 1960s. Currently, you can catch a wrestling match here on Wednesdays and Sundays.

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Mexican Wrestling Mexico City: Watch Incredible Luchadores Plus Cantina (5h)

🇲🇽 Mexico Mexico City Tours Mexican Wrestling Mexico City: Watch Incredible Luchadores Plus Cantina (5h)

Are you ready to rumble? The Mexican Wrestling Mexico City is a must-take to experience an evening in the capital as a local. See Lucha Libre , a spectacular Mexican freestyle wrestling. Also, visit a traditional  cantina , drink some tequila , and finally learn about the history and main differences between two iconic Mexican distillates: mezcal and tequila .

• Enjoy an unforgettable evening out in an authentic atmosphere in Mexico City.
• Wear a wrestler mask and support your new favorite wrestler at a Lucha Libre match.
• Taste different types of tequila and mezcal and learn about the history and production of these drinks.
• Try traditional Mexican drinks and food in a local cantina in Mexico City!
• Listen to live music in a traditional Mexican cantina.

Start the Mexican Wrestling Mexico City in Mexico City and meet your guide at your accommodation. Start the adventure by visiting an authentic cantina, where you can sip on mezcal, tequila, or Mexican-style beer. Enjoy the lively party atmosphere, live music, and fresh snacks or tasty local specialties

Experience the electrifying Lucha Libre match on your Mexican Wrestling Mexico City ! Cheer on your favorite “ rudos ” or “ tecnicos ” as they take part in this Mexican wrestling extravaganza. Get swept away in the excitement of the crowd and watch as these wrestlers display their impressive skills.

At the end, your guide can conveniently drop you off at your accommodation or any other desired location in the city. This unforgettable experience is packed with culture, tradition, and excitement as you explore Mexico City’s vibrant wrestling scene with the Mexican Wrestling Mexico City . Get ready to create lasting memories!

How is this tour different?

Authentic    how this tour provides an actual image of the destination, life, and practices of the host community..

We do our best to make our trips educative and fulfilling, in which travelers can interact with local populations, learn about their traditions, and culture, and connect with their core values.

A tour with impact   ? How this tour positively affects the destination and local communities on economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions.

We support the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Our tours are aligned with SDG 8 and 12, focusing on empowering local communities and promoting sustainable consumption and production practices. We take tourists to underdeveloped regions, creating opportunities for economic growth while respecting local traditions and educating communities on sustainable approaches.

Other   ? Other advantages this tour offers to travelers.

Just sightseeing and fun: no visits to tourist shops and restaurants. Ideal for small groups: the price is fixed and varies just slightly based on the number of participants. Flexibility: adjust the program and route to your interests or extend the duration for an extra fee.

• This tour is private : only your group will participate.
• The price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group (please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar ➡️ to see the final price).

Local Expert Guides

English/Spanish private bilingual guide service.

Transportation

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle.

Snacks and tequila tastings in a traditional Mexican cantina.

Entrance and orientation at a Lucha Libre match.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included: find the one exactly for you.

Personal expenses

Flights are not included: check our partner deals .

Travel insurance is not included: find insurance tailored for you.

Customization ? The way how tour organizer can customize this tour for you

We can do the following customizations on your request (subject to availability and needs to be confirmed before the tour): 1. Adjust the starting time of the tour. 2. Adjust the time you spend at each destination of the tour. 3. Add extra places of your choice (e.g. attractions, restaurants, etc.) to the itinerary on a complimentary basis if those visits. (1) fit the default duration of the tour, (2) don’t involve a significant change of the route and extra fees (e.g. entrance tickets, tolls, parking, etc.). Changes other than those will involve an extra fee and must be communicated to the tour organizer at least 72h before the tour (e.g. in the “Special Requirements” field during the booking or via email).

Cancellations

This and most of our 1-day tours can be canceled up to 48 hours before the departure (see cancellation policy for more info).

Frequently asked questions:

How to book.

To reserve the tour, please choose the date and complete the booking form. Once finished, you will receive a booking confirmation in your email.

How can I contact the tour organizer?

You can find the contact phone number and email of the tour organizer in the confirmation email.

Can I talk to someone?

Except for the information on this page, you can see full terms & conditions from each tour organizer before completing your booking.

About Vibe Adventures

Unless expressly stated otherwise, the tour and activity providers (“Organizers”) listed on vibeadventures.com are independent third parties and are not agents or affiliates of Vibe Adventures. Therefore, Vibe Adventures shall not be held liable for any injuries, sickness, accidents, delays, neglect, fraud, poor weather conditions, negative consequences, or expenses arising from or associated with the Organizers, their tours and activities, or those of their affiliates. If the tour does not include insurance, the travelers are responsible for obtaining travel insurance, as well as passports, appropriate visas, and necessary vaccinations.

Cancellations & Modifications

To cancel or modify your booking, please contact the Organizer directly using the email or phone number provided in the booking confirmation. Cancellations and modifications are subject to availability and the approval of the Organizer in accordance with their booking terms and conditions, which are made available to you during the booking process.

If you have any other questions please contact us .

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Woman struck & killed by train in mexico while trying to take selfie, tragic death woman struck & killed by train ... while trying to take selfie.

A woman suffered a tragic accident in Mexico that ended with her losing her life -- this while trying to capture a photo while a train passed ... which ended up hitting and killing her.

As documented in new harrowing footage that's making the rounds ... a 29-year-old woman in Hidalgo, Mexico recently approached a railway track to take a selfie as the CPKC's Final Spike Steam Tour train plowed ahead at full speed.

While the train blasted its horn near the gathering fans -- who came together to witness the train on its famous journey from Canada to Mexico City, a major attraction for locals -- the woman didn't move far enough out of the way ... and she was struck straight in the head.

The woman instantly fell forward and went limp, clearly unconscious ... with bystanders immediately rushing to her aid -- but unfortunately, the damage had been done.

Reports say first responders who arrived at the scene pronounced her dead. Her family was reportedly with her at the train track in Hidalgo.

CPKC has confirmed an investigation is underway, adding in a statement ... "We are deeply saddened by this loss of life and wish to express our condolences to the woman’s family and loved ones."

They add, "For their own safety and that of the crews, all spectators looking at any train must always remain at least 10 meters back from the train and the tracks. Spectators must never stand on railway tracks, try to board rail equipment or climb on rail infrastructure.

Finally, CPKC said ... "Always use caution around tracks and trains." A cautionary tale, indeed.

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2024 Copa América: Latest squads from Mexico, USA, more

Copa América 2024 kicks off in the United States on June 20, running through to the final on July 14, and all 16 countries have announced either their final squads for the tournament or their squads for friendlies and other competitive matches before the start of the tournament.

The squads have to contain a minimum of 23 players and a maximum of 26, and they must be sent to CONMEBOL by the deadline of June 12. Three of the players must be goalkeepers.

- Copa América 2024 bracket and fixtures schedule

Injured players can be replaced up to 24 hours before a country's first fixture, with approval from CONMEBOL.

Here you can find the latest squads for every country.

ARGENTINA Fixtures: Canada (June 20), Chile (June 25), Peru (June 29)

Goalkeepers: Franco Armani ( River Plate ), Gerónimo Rulli ( Ajax ), Emiliano Martínez ( Aston Villa )

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel ( Nottingham Forest ), Leonardo Balerdi ( Marseille ), Germán Pezzella ( Real Betis ), Nicolás Otamendi ( Benfica ), Cristian Romero ( Tottenham ), Nicolás Tagliafico ( Lyon ), Lucas Martínez Quarta ( Fiorentina ), Lisandro Martínez ( Manchester United ), Nahuel Molina ( Atlético Madrid ), Marcos Acuña ( Sevilla ), Valentín Barco ( Brighton & Hove Albion )

Midfielders: Guido Rodríguez (Real Betis), Leandro Paredes ( AS Roma ), Alexis Mac Allister ( Liverpool ), Rodrigo de Paul (Atlético Madrid), Exequiel Palacios ( Bayer Leverkusen ), Enzo Fernández ( Chelsea ), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham), Ángel Di María (Benfica), Valentín Carboni ( Monza )

Forwards: Lionel Messi ( Inter Miami ), Ángel Correa (Atlético Madrid), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Nicolas González ( Fiorentina ), Lautaro Martínez ( Internazionale ), Julián Álvarez ( Manchester City )

NOTE: This is a 29-man preliminary squad from which the final squad will be chosen.

CANADA Fixtures: Argentina (June 20), Peru (June 25), Chile (June 29)

Goalkeepers: Maxime Crépeau ( Portland Timbers ), Thomas McGill ( Brighton & Hove Albion ), Dayne St. Clair ( Minnesota United ), Grégoire Swiderski ( Bordeaux B, listed as training player)

Defenders: Alphonso Davies ( Bayern Munich ), Alistair Johnston ( Celtic ), Richie Laryea ( Toronto FC ), Dominick Zator (Korona Kielce), Moïse Bombito ( Colorado Rapids ), Derek Cornelius ( Malmö ), Luc de Fougerolles ( Fulham ), Kyle Hiebert ( St. Louis City SC ), Kamal Miller ( Portland Timbers )

Midfielders: Mathieu Choinière ( CF Montréal ), Stephen Eustáquio ( FC Porto ), Ismaël Koné ( Watford ), Jonathan Osorio ( Toronto FC ), Samuel Piette (CF Montréal)

Forwards: Charles-Andreas Brym ( Sparta Rotterdam ), Tajon Buchanan (Internazionale), Junior Hoilett ( Aberdeen ), Liam Millar ( FC Basel ), Jacob Shaffelburg ( Nashville SC ), Thelonius Bair ( Motherwell ), Jonathan David ( Lille ), Cyle Larin ( Mallorca ), Iké Ugbo ( Troyes ), Tani Oluwaseyi (Minnesota United)

NOTE: This is a 24-man friendly squad from which the final squad will be chosen.

CHILE Fixtures: Peru (June 21), Argentina (June 25), Canada (June 29)

Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo ( Real Betis ), Brayan Cortés ( Colo Colo ), Gabriel Arias ( Racing Club )

Defenders: Felipe Loyola ( Huachipato ), Matias Catalán ( Talleres ), Guillermo Maripán ( AS Monaco ), Paulo Díaz ( River Plate ), Igor Lichnovsky ( Club América ), Gabriel Suazo ( Toulouse ), Thomas Galdámes ( Godoy Cruz )

Midfielders: Erick Pulgar ( Flamengo ), Marcelino Núñez ( Norwich City ), Rodrigo Echeverría ( Huracán ), Diego Valdés (Club América), César Pérez ( Unión La Calera )

Forwards: Alexis Sánchez ( Internazionale ), Darío Osorio ( Midtjylland ), Victor Dávila ( CSKA Moscow ), Eduardo Vargas ( Atlético Mineiro ), Ben Brereton Díaz ( Sheffield United ), Marcos Bolados (Colo Colo), Maximiliano Guerrero ( Universidad de Chile ), Cristián Zavala (Colo Colo)

NOTE: This is a 24-man preliminary squad from which the final squad will be chosen.

PERU Fixtures: Chile (June 21), Canada (June 25), Argentina (June 29)

Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese ( Orlando City ), Carlos Cáceda ( Melgar ), Diego Romero ( Universitario )

Defenders: Luis Advíncula ( Boca Juniors ), Oliver Sonne ( Silkeborg IF ), Luis Abram ( Atlanta United ), Alexander Callens ( AEK Athens ), Anderson Santamaría ( Atlas ), Carlos Zambrano ( Alianza Lima ), Marcos López ( Feyenoord ), Paolo Reyna (Melgar)

Midfielders: Wilder Cartagena (Orlando City), Sergio Peña ( Malmo FF ), Jesús Castillo ( Gil Vicente ), Piero Quispe ( Pumas ), Renato Tapia ( Celta Vigo ), Christian Cueva (free agent)

Forwards: André Carrillo ( Al Qadsiah ), Gianluca Lapadula ( Cagliari ), Bryan Reyna ( Belgrano ), Franco Zanelatto (Alianza Lima), Andy Polo (Universitario), Alex Valera (Universitario), Edison Flores (Universitario), José Rivera (Universitario), Joao Grimaldo ( Sporting Cristal ), Paolo Guerrero ( César Vallejo )

NOTE: This is a 28-man friendly squad from which the final squad will be chosen.

ECUADOR Fixtures: Venezuela (June 22), Jamaica (June 26), Mexico (June 30)

Goalkeepers: Hernán Galíndez ( Huracán ), Alexander Domínguez ( Liga de Quito ), Moises Ramírez ( Independiente del Valle )

Defenders: Piero Hincapié ( Bayer Leverkusen ), William Pacho ( Eintracht Frankfurt ), Félix Torres ( Corinthians ), Joel Ordóñez ( Club Brugge ), Andrés Micolta ( Pachuca ), Jackson Porozo ( Troyes ), Layan Loor ( CD Universidad Catolica ), José Hurtado ( RB Bragantino ), Angelo Preciado ( Sparta Prague )

Midfielders: Carlos Gruezo ( San Jose Earthquakes ), Moisés Caicedo ( Chelsea ), Alan Franco ( Atletico Mineiro ), José Cifuentes ( Cruzeiro ), Joao Ortiz (Independiente del Valle), Kendry Paez (Independiente del Valle), Jeremy Sarmiento ( Ipswich Town ), John Yeboah ( Rakow Czestochowa ), Ángel Mena ( Leon ), Alan Minda ( Cercle Bruges ), Janner Corozo ( Barcelona SC )

Forwards: Enner Valencia ( Internacional ), Kevin Rodríguez ( Royale Union Saint-Gilloise ), Jordy Caicedo ( Atlas )

This is the final squad for the Copa América.

JAMAICA Fixtures: Mexico (June 22), Ecuador (June 26), Venezuela (June 30)

Goalkeepers: Coniah Boyce-Clarke ( Reading ), Shaquan Davis (Mount Pleasant FC), Jayden Hibbert ( Atlanta United 2 ), Jahmali Waite ( El Paso Locomotive )

Defenders: Jonathan Bell ( Seattle Sounders ), Di'Shon Bernard ( Sheffield Wednesday ), Tayvon Gray ( New York City FC ), Michael Hector (free agent), Richard King ( Cavalier SC ), Greg Leigh ( Oxford United ), Dexter Lembikisa ( Heart of Midlothian ), Damion Lowe ( Philadelphia Union )

Midfielders: Karoy Anderson ( Charlton Athletic ), Bobby Decordova-Reid ( Fulham ), Daniel Johnson ( Stoke City ), Kevon Lambert ( San Antonio FC) , Alex Marshall ( Portmore United ), Kasey Palmer ( Coventry City ), Adrian Reid Jr. (Cavalier SC)

Forwards: Michail Antonio ( West Ham United ), Deshane Beckford (Cavalier SC), Cory Burke ( New York Red Bulls ), Devonte Campbell (Mount Pleasant FC), Renaldo Cephas ( Ankaragucu ), Kaheim Dixon ( Arnett Gardens FC ), Shamar Nicholson ( Clermont Foot )

NOTE: This is a 26-man squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers from which the final squad will be chosen.

MEXICO Fixtures: Jamaica (June 22), Venezuela (June 26), Ecuador (June 30)

Goalkeepers: Luis Malagon ( Club América ), Raul Rangel ( Chivas ), Julio González ( Pumas )

Defenders: Israel Reyes (Club América), Jorge Sánchez ( Porto ), Brian García ( Toluca ), César Montes ( Almeria ), Víctor Guzmán ( Monterrey ), Alexis Peña ( Necaxa ), Johan Vásquez ( Genoa ), Jesús Orozco (Chivas), Gerardo Arteaga (Monterrey), Bryan González ( Pachuca )

Midfielders: Edson Álvarez ( West Ham United ), Luis Romo (Monterrey), Jordan Carrillo ( Santos Laguna ), Érick Sánchez (Pachuca), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Luis Chávez ( Dinamo Moscow ), Andres Montaño ( Mazatlan ), Fernando Beltrán (Chivas), Carlos Rodríguez ( Cruz Azul )

Forwards: Marcelo Flores ( Tigres ), César Huerta (Pumas), Julian Quiñones (Club América), Santiago Giménez ( Feyenoord ), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Uriel Antuna (Cruz Azul), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas)

NOTE: This is a 30-man preliminary squad from which the final squad will be chosen.

VENEZUELA Fixtures: Ecuador (June 22), Mexico (June 26), Jamaica (June 30)

Goalkeepers: Rafael Romo ( CD Universidad Católica ), Joel Graterol ( Club América de Cali ), José David Contreras ( Águilas Doradas ), Alain Baroja ( Always Ready )

Defenders: Alexander González ( Emelec ), Jon Aramburu ( Real Sociedad ), Nahuel Ferraresi ( São Paulo ), Yordan Osorio ( Parma ), Carlos Vivas ( Deportivo Táchira ), Wilker Ángel ( Criciúma ), Christian Makoun ( Anorthosis Famagusta ), Jhon Chancellor ( Metropolitanos ), Miguel Navarro ( Talleres )

Midfielders: José Andrés Martínez ( Philadelphia Union ), Cristian Cásseres Jr. ( Toulouse ), Yangel Herrera ( Girona ), Daniel Pereira ( Austin FC ), Telasco Segovia ( Casa Pia ), Tomás Rincón ( Santos FC ), Samuel Sosa ( Querétaro ), Eduard Bello ( Mazatlán ), Kervin Andrade ( Fortaleza ), Matías Lacava ( Vizela ), Darwin Machís ( Cádiz ), Jhon Murillo (Atlas), Yeferson Soteldo ( Gremio ), Jefferson Savarino ( Botafogo )

Forwards: Salomón Rondón ( Pachuca ), Jhonder Cádiz ( Famalicao ), and Eric Ramírez ( Atlético Nacional) .

BOLIVIA Fixtures: United States (June 23), Uruguay (June 27), Panama (July 1)

Goalkeepers: Guillermo Viscarra ( The Strongest ), Carlos Lampe ( Bolívar ), Gustavo Almada ( Universitario de Vinto ).

Defenders: Diego Medina ( Always Ready ), Pablo Vaca (Always Ready), Héctor Cuéllar (Always Ready), Marcelo Suárez (Always Ready), Yomar Rocha (Bolívar), Jesús Sagredo (Bolívar), José Sagredo (Bolívar), Jairo Quinteros (Bolívar), Adrián Jusino (The Strongest), Luis Haquín ( Ponte Preta ), Efraín Morales ( Atlanta United FC ), Roberto Carlos Fernández ( FC Baltika Kaliningrad )

Midfielders: Lucas Chávez (Bolívar), Leonel Justiniano (Bolívar), Fernando Saucedo (Bolívar), Ramiro Vaca (Bolívar), Robson Matheus (Always Ready), Adalid Terrazas (Always Ready), Rodrigo Ramallo (The Strongest), Boris Céspedes ( Yverdon Sport FC ), Jaume Cuéllar ( Barcelona B ), Gabriel Villamil ( Liga de Quito ), Miguel Terceros ( Santos FC )

Forwards: César Menacho ( Blooming ), Carmelo Algarañaz (Bolívar), Bruno Miranda (The Strongest)

NOTE: This is a 29-man friendly squad from which the final squad will be chosen.

PANAMA Fixtures: Uruguay (June 23), United States (June 27), Bolivia (July 1)

Goalkeepers: Orlando Mosquera ( Maccabi Tel-Aviv ), Luis Mejía ( Club Nacional ), César Samudio ( CD Marathón )

Defenders: Fidel Escobar ( Deportivo Saprissa ), Eduardo Anderson (Deportivo Saprissa), José Córdoba ( Levski Sofía ), Éric Davis ( FC Kosice ), Iván Anderson ( Fortaleza CEIF ), Michael Murillo (Marseille), Cesar Blackman ( Slovan Bratislava ), Edgardo Fariña ( Municipal ), Roderick Miller (Turan Tovuz IK), Martín Krug ( Levante ll)

Midfielders: Aníbal Godoy ( Nashville SC ), Adalberto Carrasquilla ( Houston Dynamo ), Cristian Martínez (Al-Jandal SC), José Luis Rodríguez ( Famalicão ), Édgar Bárcenas (Mazatlán), Jovani Welch , ( Académico Viseu FC ), Freddy Góndola ( Maccabi Bnei Reineh ), Carlos Harvey ( Minnesota United ), Abdiel Ayarza ( Cienciano ), César Yanis ( AD San Carlos )

Forwards: Ismael Díaz ( CD Universidad Católica ), José Fajardo (CD Universidad Católica), Eduardo Guerrero ( Zorya Lugansk ), Cecilio Waterman ( Alianza Lima )

NOTE: This is a 27-man squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers from which the final squad will be chosen.

UNITED STATES Fixtures: Bolivia (June 23), Panama (June 27), Uruguay (July 1)

Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath ( Cardiff City ), Sean Johnson ( Toronto FC ), Matt Turner ( Nottingham Forest )

Defenders: Cameron Carter-Vickers ( Celtic ), Kristoffer Lund ( Palermo ), Mark McKenzie ( Genk ), Shaq Moore ( Nashville SC ), Tim Ream ( Fulham ), Chris Richards ( Crystal Palace ), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson ( FC Cincinnati ), Joe Scally ( Borussia Mönchengladbach )

Midfielders: Tyler Adams ( AFC Bournemouth ), Johnny Cardoso ( Real Betis ), Luca de la Torre ( Celta Vigo ), Weston McKennie ( Juventus ), Yunus Musah ( AC Milan ), Giovanni Reyna ( Nottingham Forest ), Malik Tillman ( PSV Eindhoven ), Timothy Tillman ( LAFC )

Forwards: Brenden Aaronson ( Union Berlin ), Folarin Balogun ( AS Monaco ), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Josh Sargent ( Norwich City ), Tim Weah (Juventus), Haji Wright ( Coventry City )

NOTE: This is a 27-man friendly squad from which the final squad will be chosen.

URUGUAY Fixtures: Panama (June 23), Bolivia (June 27), United States (July 1)

Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet ( Internacional ), Santiago Mele ( Atletico Junior ), Franco Israel ( Sporting CP )

Defenders: Sebastián Cáceres ( Club América ), José María Giménez ( Atlético Madrid ), Lucas Olaza ( Krasnodar ), Mathías Olivera ( Napoli ), Nahitan Nández ( Al Qadsiah ), Ronald Araújo ( Barcelona ), Nicolás Marichal ( Dinamo Moscow ), Matías Viña ( Flamengo ), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo)

Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte ( París Saint-Germain ), Rodrigo Bentancur ( Tottenham ), Federico Valverde ( Real Madrid ), Emiliano Martínez ( Midtjylland ), Nicolás de la Cruz ( River Plate ), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo)

Forwards: Facundo Pellistri ( Granada ), Maximiliano Araújo ( Toluca ), Brian Rodríguez (Club América), Darwin Núñez ( Liverpool ), Agustín Canobbio ( Athletico Paranaense ), Brian Ocampo ( Cádiz ), Cristian Olivera ( LAFC ), Luis Suárez ( Inter Miami )

NOTE: This is the final squad for the Copa América.

BRAZIL Fixtures: Costa Rica (June 24), Paraguay (June 28), Colombia (July 2)

Goalkeepers: Alisson ( Liverpool ), Bento ( Athletico-PR ), Rafael ( São Paulo )

Defenders: Danilo ( Juventus ), Yan Couto ( Girona ), Guilherme Arana ( Atlético Mineiro ), Wendell ( Porto ), Lucas Beraldo ( Paris Saint-Germain ), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhães ( Arsenal ), Éder Militão ( Real Madrid )

Midfielders: Andreas Pereira ( Fulham ), Bruno Guimarães ( Newcastle United ), Douglas Luiz ( Aston Villa ), João Gomes ( Wolverhampton Wanderers ), Lucas Paquetá ( West Ham United )

Forwards: Endrick ( Palmeiras ), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Evanilson (Porto), Raphinha ( Barcelona ), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Girona), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

COLOMBIA Fixtures: Paraguay (June 24), Panama (June 28), Brazil (July 2)

Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas ( Atlas ), David Ospina ( Al Nassr ), Álvaro Montero ( Millonarios )

Defenders: Daniel Muñoz ( Crystal Palace ), Santiago Arias ( Bahía ), Yerson Mosquera ( Villarreal CF ), Carlos Cuesta ( Genk ), Jhon Lucumí ( Bologna ), Yerry Mina ( Cagliari ), Davinson Sánchez ( Galatasaray ), Deiver Machado ( Lens ), Johan Mojica ( Osasuna )

Midfielders: Kevin Castaño ( Krasnodar ), Sebastián Gómez ( Coritiba ), Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace), Mateus Uribe ( Al Sadd ), Richard Rios ( Palmeiras ), Jorge Carrascal ( Dinamo Moscow ), James Rodríguez ( São Paulo ), Juan Fernando Quintero ( Racing Club )

Forwards: Yaser Asprilla ( Watford ), Jhon Arias ( Fluminense ), Luis Sinisterra ( AFC Bournemouth ), Jhon Durán ( Aston Villa ), Miguel Ángel Borja ( River Plate ), Luis Díaz ( Liverpool ), Rafael Santos Borré ( Internacional ), Jhon Córdoba ( Krasnodar )

COSTA RICA Fixtures: Brazil (June 24), Colombia (June 28), Paraguay (July 2)

Goalkeepers: Kevin Chamorro ( Deportivo Saprissa ), Patrick Sequeira ( Ibiza ), Aaron Cruz ( Herediano )

Defenders: Fernán Faerrón (Herediano), Julio Cascante ( Austin FC ), Gerald Taylor (Deportivo Saprissa), Francisco Calvo ( Juárez ), Juan Pablo Vargas ( Millonarios ), Joseph Mora (Deportivo Saprissa), Haxzel Quirós (Herediano), Jyeyland Mitchell ( Alajuelense ), Yeison Molina ( Guanacasteca ), Douglas Sequeira (Deportivo Saprissa)

Midfielders: Brandón Aguilera ( Nottingham Forest ), Orlando Galo (Herediano), Josimar Alcócer ( Westerlo ), Ariel Lassister ( CF Montréal ), Jefferson Bremes (Deportivo Saprissa), Alejandro Bran ( Minnesota United )

Forwards: Manfred Ugalde ( Spartak Moscow ), Joel Campbell (Alajuelense), Anthony Contreras (Pafos), Kenneth Vargas ( Heart of Midlothian ), Álvaro Zamora ( Aris ), Andy Rojas (Herediano), Warren Madrigal (Deportivo Saprissa)

PARAGUAY Fixtures: Colombia (June 24), Brazil (June 28), Costa Rica (July 2)

Goalkeepers: Carlos Coronel ( New York Red Bulls ), Alfredo Aguilar ( Sportivo Luqueño ), Rodrigo Morínigo ( Libertad )

Defenders: Omar Alderete ( Getafe ), Fabián Balbuena ( Dinamo Moscow ), Gustavo Gómez ( Palmeiras ), Júnior Alonso ( Krasnodar ), Gustavo Velázquez ( Newell's Old Boys ), Iván Ramírez (Libertad), Matías Espinoza (Libertad), Néstor Giménez (Libertad)

Midfielders: Matías Rojas ( Inter Miami ), Richard Sánchez ( Club América ), Andrés Cubas ( Vancouver Whitecaps ), Mathías Villasanti ( Gremio ), Damián Bobadilla ( São Paulo ), Hernesto Caballero (Libertad), Fabrizio Peralta ( Cerro Porteño ), Gabriel Aguayo (Cerro Porteño)

Forwards: Ramón Sosa ( Talleres ), Miguel Almirón ( Newcastle United ), Julio Enciso ( Brighton & Hove Albion ), Alejandro Romero ( Al-Ain ), Adam Bareiro ( San Lorenzo ), Alex Arce ( Liga de Quito ), Derlis González ( Olimpia ), Ángel Romero ( Corinthians )

Woman Struck by CPKC Final Spike Steam Tour in Mexico

A woman was struck and killed Tuesday during the final southbound leg of CPKC’s Final Spike Steam Tour to Mexico City, Mexican media reports . Video of the incident posted online shows that the woman had been standing too close to the tracks as Canadian Pacific 4-6-4 2816 passed through a community north of Mexico City. 

Tuesday’s incident follows another close call earlier this week when a woman had her phone knocked out of her hand by the locomotive as it passed. Video of that incident was widely shared online. 

Locomotive 2816 is currently leading a tri-nation tour to celebrate the merger of CP and Kansas City Southern. The locomotive and train are expected to return north later this month. 

Railfan & Railroad Magazine, ©2015-2023 White River Productions. All rights reserved. From steam to diesel, mainline to short line, Railfan & Railroad Magazine takes you trackside.

Kansas City to host six FIFA World Cup 26 matches

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Impressive Kansas City Stadium will stage a total of six matches from the biggest-ever World Cup, including one quarter-final.

Kansas City Stadium will host six matches from the FIFA World Cup 26™, including four group fixtures and two knockout games.

The full match schedule for the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup has now been unveiled , giving the framework for the 104-game tournament featuring 48 teams across 16 host cities in three countries – Canada, Mexico and the United States.

And the impressive Kansas City venue will play host to four group-stage games, one Round of 32 match, and one quarter-final, with the last-eight game taking place on Saturday, 11 July 2026.

View the full FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule

Stadium details Stadium details

Name: Kansas City Stadium

Location: Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Capacity: 73,000

Opened:  1972

FIFA World Cup 26™ fixtures FIFA World Cup 26™ fixtures

Match 19 | Group Stage | Tuesday, 16 June

Match 34 | Group Stage | Saturday, 20 June

Match 58 | Group Stage | Thursday, 25 June

Match 69 | Group Stage | Saturday, 27 June

Match 87 | Round of 32 | Friday, 3 July

Match 100 | Quarter-final | Saturday, 11 July

Kansas City Stadium is certified by Guinness World Records as the loudest outdoor sports venue in the world and has hosted a record five consecutive NFL Conference Championships.

The arena, which is the home of the NFL Kansas City Chiefs, reached a record-breaking decibel level of 142.2 when the Chiefs took on the New England Patriots in 2014.

Known as the soccer capital of America, Kansas City is home to two-time MLS champions Sporting KC and 2022 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) finalists KC Current, who opened the first stadium purpose-built for a professional women's football team in 2024. The city is a bi-state metropolitan area that straddles the state line between Missouri and Kansas.

Did you know? Did you know?

Kansas City is nicknamed ‘The City of Fountains’ with more than 200 officially registered fountains across the city.

Famous Kansas Citians include former President Harry S. Truman, revolutionary aviator Amelia Earhart, visionary creator Walt Disney and legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker.

Certified by Guinness World Records in 2014, Kansas City Stadium reached a record-breaking decibels level of 142.2 during a Chiefs NFL game.

In 2023, a new $1.5 billion terminal opened at Kansas City International Airport with state-of-the-art accessible amenities for travelers.

Learn more about Kansas City Learn more about Kansas City

Kansas City has a diverse cross section of American history, taking its roots from the western frontier as the starting point for the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails.

This is a passionate football city that has a rich history of successful professional football teams, from the Kansas City Spurs of the North American Soccer League to the Comets and Attack of indoor football to the current-day MLS Sporting Kansas City and NWSL KC Current.

While also boasting professional teams in three major sports: Sporting Kansas City (MLS), KC Current (NWSL), Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) and the Kansas City Royals (MLB), the city has hosted multiple FIFA World Cup™ qualifying matches, Concacaf Gold Cups (2011, 2015), men’s and women’s Concacaf Olympic qualifiers, the 2013 MLS All-Star game, and the 2013 MLS Cup Final.

FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets - register your interest FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets - register your interest

All the fifa world cup 2026 stadiums all the fifa world cup 2026 stadiums.