Quito adjusts traffic rules for Ecuador-Mexico World Cup match

Quito implemented an exceptional change to its "pico y placa" traffic restriction on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The modification was made to accommodate fans attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Ecuador and Mexico.

The Metropolitan Transit Agency (AMT) announced that vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4, which normally face restrictions on Tuesdays, were permitted to drive within the city between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. This exception applied only to the afternoon hours of that specific Tuesday.

The decision was driven by the 8:00 PM kickoff of the match at the Estadio Azteca, where both Ecuador and Mexico were competing for a spot in the World Cup's round of 16. The AMT clarified that outside of this limited window, the standard "pico y placa" schedule remained in effect.

Normally, vehicles with plates ending in 3 and 4 are restricted on Tuesdays. The "pico y placa" system is a daily regulation enforced from Monday to Friday to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion in Quito's busiest areas. This temporary adjustment highlights the city's efforts to balance traffic management with major public events.