One of the most famous stadiums in the history of world football, Estadio Azteca, will welcome this year’s World Cup in a completely renewed edition. Six decades after its construction, Mexico City’s legendary stadium has undergone extensive reconstruction to be ready for another historic moment – the third opening of the World Cup in its rich history.
After hosting the opening matches of the World Cups in 1970 and 1986, the stadium will again be in the center of attention of the world sports public. It was in this building that the generations led by Pelé and Maradona achieved their greatest successes.
The stadium was re-opened after a two-year renovation with a friendly between Mexico and Portugal at the end of March, an event attended by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who described the Azteca as the “cathedral of football”.
Located at an altitude of 2,240 meters in the southern part of Mexico City, Azteca is the only stadium in the world that will host the opening ceremony of the World Cup for the third time. This year, Mexico and South Africa will have the honor of opening the tournament.
Mexico’s Azteca Stadium is all set for the World Cup openerpic.twitter.com/UBmOge1x3p
— World Cup 2026 Daily (@TotalFootball) June 6, 2026
Although the reconstruction caused certain doubts due to the deadlines for the completion of the works, the stadium is ready for the biggest football event. The exterior appearance has mostly kept the recognizable monumentality carried by 66 reinforced concrete pillars, while the most visible change is the new facade sign with the name “Stade Banorte”, according to the sponsorship contract concluded for the next 12 years.
However, during the World Cup the stadium will be called “Stade de Mexico”, in accordance with FIFA’s advertising rules.
After a major renovation that began in May 2024, the iconic venue is ready to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11.
It will become the first stadium in history to host the opening game of three World Cups: 1970, 1986 and 2026. pic.twitter.com/2wAW7nP1FS
— WorldCup Football Stories (@WorldCup_Stories) June 10, 2026
The interior of the building underwent significant changes. The capacity of the stadium has been reduced from the former 110,000 to 87,500 seats, while around 83,000 seats will be available for the World Cup. The new seats provide greater comfort, and some of them are equipped with drink holders.
Special attention was paid to the VIP zones, which now include luxury lodges, restaurant facilities and panoramic areas with a view of the field. One of the most attractive novelties is the exclusive Sierra Porch lodge, with a capacity of 1,500 guests, which can also be used for private events.
Modernization also included the technological segment. The stadium now has more than 1,200 Internet access points, 2,200 square meters of LED screens and more than 500 modern speakers that will further enhance the atmosphere during the matches.
The novelty is the hybrid pitch made according to FIFA standards, which has already received positive evaluations after the first match played after the renovation.
The changes also affected the catering segment, so visitors will no longer be able to pay for food and drinks in cash. Purchases will be possible only through prepaid cards, which represents another step towards the modernization of one of the most famous stadiums in the world.
During the World Cup, Azteca will host a total of five matches, including three group stage matches and one round of 16 and round of 16 match.
(Vijesti.ba)
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