Estadio Azteca

One of the best known football stadiums in the world, often called the "Temple of Football" or the "Cathedral of Football", it was the first to host two FIFA World Cup finals; Brazil defeated Italy 4–1 in 1970 and Argentina beat West Germany 3–2 in 1986. It also hosted the 1986 quarter-final match between Argentina and England in which Diego Maradona scored both the "Hand of God goal" and the "Goal of the Century".

Both Pelé's (1970) and Diego Maradona's (1986) national teams won the FIFA World Cup in Estadio Azteca. It also hosted the "Game of the Century", when Italy defeated West Germany 4–3 in extra time in one of the 1970 semifinal matches. The stadium was the principal venue for the football tournament of the 1968 Summer Olympics and the 1971 Women's World Cup. It also hosted games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the opening game where South Africa played against Mexico, making it the only stadium to host three editions of the FIFA World Cup. Additionally, the National Football League (NFL) of the United States features one game of American football at the stadium per season as a part of its International Series.

History

Estadio Azteca was envisioned as a major sports venue during the presidency of Adolfo López Mateos; Mexico was awarded the 1968 Summer Olympics in 1963, and the football final was held there. Designed by architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Rafael Mijares Alcérreca, the stadium broke ground in 1961 and the inaugural match was between Club América and Torino F.C. on 29 May 1966, with a capacity for 107,494 spectators. The first goal was scored by Brazilian Arlindo Dos Santos and the second one by Brazilian José Alves; later, the Italians tied the game, which ended in a 2–2 draw. Mexican president Gustavo Díaz Ordaz made the initial kick and FIFA president Sir Stanley Rous was the witness.

A modern illumination system was inaugurated on 5 June 1966, with the first night game played between Spanish side Valencia C.F. and Necaxa. The first goal of the match was scored by Honduran José Cardona for Valencia. Roberto Martínez, aka Caña Brava, became the first Mexican to score a goal in the stadium after scoring for Necaxa. The result was a 3–1 victory for Valencia. In 1978, the stadium hosted the final of the Copa Interamericana between América and Boca Juniors of Argentina, and again in 1990 between América and Club Olimpia of Paraguay.

The venue is where superstars Pelé (1970) and Diego Maradona (1986) lifted the FIFA World Cup Trophy for the last time. Estadio Azteca has also been used for musical performances throughout its history. Michael Jackson (5 sold-out shows in 1993), Menudo (in 1983), U2 (in 2006 and 2011), Luis Miguel (in 2002), Paul McCartney (in 2012 and 2017), Elton John, Maná, Juan Gabriel, Gloria Estefan, Jaguares, Lenny Kravitz, *Nsync, Hanson, Ana Gabriel, and The Three Tenors all have become part of the stadium's main spectacle. The stadium has also been used for political events, including Mexican president Felipe Calderón's campaign closure in 2006, as well as religious events, such as Jehovah's Witnesses conventions and the appearance of Pope John Paul II in 1999.

In April 2017, it was announced that starting July 2018, Cruz Azul would relocate to the Azteca on a temporary basis, due to the impending demolition of the Estadio Azul. The stadium hosted multiple matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the opener. It was the third World Cup for Azteca, which hosted the final match in both 1970 and 1986.

2015–19 renovation project

The stadium has undergone gradual improvements and renovations, including the replacing of seating within the stadium as well as the installation of electronic advertising boards. In May 2015, modern Panasonic LED panels were installed at the north and south ends of the stadium, replacing the phosphorus panels installed in 1998.

In February 2015, a vast renovation plan was unveiled with the intention that the completion of the project coincide with the stadium's 50th anniversary and with Club América's centenary in 2016, as well as the construction of a commercial hub outside the stadium to be completed some time in 2019. It was reported that Televisa, owners of the stadium, approved a joint-venture bid from private development firms IQ Real Estate and Alhel. The hub, named "Foro Azteca", would reportedly consist of a mall, office spaces, two hotels, new leisure spaces, and parking spaces for 2,500 cars. The planned building of the hub was ultimately abandoned. The renovations to the stadium were planned in two phases: the first saw the demolition of the restaurant and seating at the lower east stand and the construction of a new hospitality area with dining and banqueting spaces, and the second saw the construction of new media boxes and private skyboxes at the upper west stand. The renovations to the stadium were completed in November 2016, with the seating capacity ultimately reduced to 81,070.

2026 World Cup and renovation works

Mexico City was formally announced as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June 2020 when FIFA announced the host cities for the tournament. Mexico City was one of three host cities in Mexico and one of sixteen host cities overall for the tournament which was staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. On 4 February 2024, it was revealed that the stadium would host the opening match of both Mexico and the tournament on 11 June 2026. In total, the stadium hosted five matches: three group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 match, hosting four of Mexico's games as winners of Group A.

A major renovation for the tournament, delayed several times due to financing and access issues, began with the stadium's closure in May 2024. The seating capacity was increased from 83,000 to 87,500 spectators, new video screens were installed, and a hybrid turf pitch was laid. The renovation plan included refurbishing the stadium facade, the installation of LED lighting, new locker rooms under the suites, and a tunnel for the players. High-resolution LED screens were to be installed throughout the stadium, and the seats in the stands would be replaced. Special lounges in the lower part of the stadium were also removed to provide more space in the stands.

The stadium was planned to be structurally reinforced by building two large areas on the sides that will serve as bars. The roof was planned to be renovated, which has reportedly not been repaired for a long time and suffers from leaking. In addition to renovations of the stadium itself, works to the neighborhood were also proposed, however those plans were scaled down after residents of the surrounding area complained about the project. In March 2025, FIFA was accused by Building and Wood Workers' International labor union of not allowing their members to inspect safety regulations taking place during the renovations.

Estadio Azteca reopened on 28 March 2026 with a friendly between Mexico and Portugal that ended in a scoreless draw. A spectator died during the pre-match ceremonies after an apparent fall from a box suite. The renovated stadium was criticized by The Athletic for uneven concrete work, unfinished furnishings, and a chaotic security queue. In May 2026, the stadium was monitored by NASA amid concerns about the structural stability of the stadium.

On 11 June 2026, the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was held at the Azteca, in which Mexico played against South Africa. The first goal was scored by Mexico's Julián Quiñones in the ninth minute of the match, this being the first time a player from a CONCACAF national team scored the first goal of a FIFA World Cup edition. The match ended with Mexico winning by 2–0.

That same day, an opening ceremony was held before the match, which included performances by Maná, playing "Oye Mi Amor" with indigenous dancers surrounding the stage. Afterwards, Danny Ocean performed "Partidazo" surrounded by female dancers dressed in china poblana dresses. This was followed by Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda performing "Por Ella" surrounded by male dancers dressed in charro outfits and performing a stylized version of the jarabe with the female dancers, followed by J Balvin and Ryan Castro performing a medley of songs including "Qué Calor", "Una a la Vez", and "I Like It", surrounded by dancers in suits matching the color scheme of the tournament. Shakira and Burna Boy closed the ceremony with a performance of the tournament's official song "Dai Dai" followed by flairs in the colors of the Mexican flag and a fireworks display.