Aztec Stadium Before Historic Hat-Trick: Mexico Opens World Cup for Third Time

06.05.2026 11:30 スタジアム・会場
There are stadiums where football history is written – and there is the Aztec 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 venue is likely to match anytime soon. Mexico, which is hosting the 2026 World Cup together with the USA and Canada, is thus writing a new chapter in an already extraordinary stadium history. The Aztec Stadium was already the stage for World Cups in 1970 and 1986 – and both tournaments are still counted among the most legendary in football history. In 1970, Brazil crowned itself world champion with Pelé, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto in the final against Italy (4:1) and epitomized 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 Aztec Stadium. The arena was built according to plans by 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 influenced many World Cup performances. For the 2026 World Cup, the stadium will be comprehensively modernized again. Plans include new VIP areas, improved infrastructure and an optimized lighting system to meet FIFA requirements. However, all of this is not intended to fundamentally change the pitch, stands and distinctive curved roof structure – the Aztec 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. Sportingly, Mexico faces a special task. As host, the team coached by Javier Aguirre, who is coaching the national team for the third time, will play in the opening match before a home crowd.