Guadalajara transforms for World Cup fans with art and unfinished upgrades
Guadalajara is preparing for a surge of visitors as the World Cup draws near. City officials expect between 60,000 and 70,000 fans to gather daily in the city centre over the 39-day tournament. To mark the occasion, public spaces have been transformed with football-themed decorations and installations. Massive soccer ball sculptures now stand at key landmarks, including La Minerva, Los Arcos de Zapopan, and the Expiatory Temple. A striking mural of football legends has also been painted on the walls of a vehicle tunnel at the intersection of Periférico and Calzada Independencia. Meanwhile, iconic buildings across the city will feature vinyl decals showing a soccer ball crashing through windows.
The city has made changes to its infrastructure, though some projects remain unfinished. The historic Fuente de las Danzarinas fountain in the city centre has been removed and replaced with a reflective water feature. The revitalisation of the historic centre and Avenida Chapultepec, however, is still incomplete. Transport upgrades are also underway. The Line 5 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, connecting the airport to Estadio Guadalajara, is 98% complete and will begin operations on June 4. Yet, the electric mobility route along the same corridor remains unfinished. An overpass on the Chapala highway, left half-built, continues to disrupt traffic and will not resume construction until after the tournament ends.
With thousands of fans arriving soon, Guadalajara’s mix of new decorations and ongoing infrastructure projects will shape their experience. The city’s efforts to enhance transport and public spaces aim to accommodate the influx, though some key works will only finish after the World Cup concludes.
