There are stadiums where football history is written – and then there is the Azteca Stadium. Next year, the venerable arena in Mexico City will be the venue for a World Cup opening match for the third time, setting a record that no other host is likely to match anytime soon. Mexico, which together with the USA and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup, is thus writing a new chapter in an already extraordinary stadium history.
The Azteca Stadium was already the stage for a World Cup in 1970 and 1986 – and both tournaments are still counted among the most legendary in football history. In 1970, Brazil crowned themselves world champions with Pelé, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto in the final against Italy (4:1) and defined the concept of "beautiful football" like few teams before them. Sixteen years later came what is perhaps the most mythical tournament of all: Diego Maradona led Argentina to the title almost single-handedly and wrote two scenes with the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century" against England that every football fan still knows today. The 1986 final between Argentina and Germany (3:2) also took place in the Azteca Stadium.
The arena was built according to the plans of architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Rafael Mijares and opened in 1966. With originally over 100,000 seats, it was long among the largest stadiums in the world. After several modernizations, it now holds around 87,000 spectators. Its location at 2,240 meters above sea level also makes it a special challenge for players from lower regions – a factor that has already shaped many a World Cup performance.
For the 2026 World Cup, the stadium will undergo comprehensive modernization again. Planned improvements include new VIP areas, improved infrastructure and an optimized lighting system to meet FIFA requirements. The pitch, the stands and the distinctive curved roof structure should not change fundamentally with all this – the Azteca Stadium is to retain its character. Mexican officials repeatedly emphasize that it is not just about sport: the "Estadio Azteca" is a national symbol, a piece of identity.
Sportively, Mexico faces a special task. As host, the team under coach Javier Aguirre, who is taking charge of the national team for the third time, will take the field in the opening match in front of home fans and make history under the cheers of over 87,000 fans. A victory in the opening match would be important not only sportwise, but would ignite the entire enthusiasm of a nation that wants to present itself as a proud host.