The crown jewel: Mexico City's Zócalo — one of the world's largest plazas (100,000+ capacity) on the ground where the Aztecs built Tenochtitlán — becomes the 'Greatest Temple of Football.' Every match on one of the largest screens in the world, with non-stop concerts, DJs, Mexican cuisine and merch. Free, all 39 days.

Beyond the Zócalo, Mexico City is setting up 16 smaller fan zones — one in each borough — so every neighborhood has a free public viewing spot with big screens.

On match days the area around the historic Estadio Azteca (the only stadium to host three World Cup openers) fills with fans, vendors, food and souvenirs — a street-party atmosphere even without a ticket.

The official Fan Fest between the Catedral and Teatro Degollado — up to 60,000 daily, all 104 matches on giant screens, with mariachi (Maná, Santana, Alejandro Fernández announced), Jalisco cuisine on Plaza de Armas, and birria in hand. Free, register online. One of only three cities running all 39 days. Cashless; no umbrellas.

Public viewing for ~8,000 in front of the Basílica de Zapopan, with big-screen broadcasts and security/volunteers on hand.

Alternate Zapopan fan zones at Parque Rojo, Parque La Mujer and Plaza Las Américas, bringing big-screen matches closer to the suburbs.