The Azteca Stadium in Mexico returns to the World Cup stage in the upcoming 2026 edition, becoming the first stadium in the tournament’s history to host matches in three different World Cup editions, following its previous appearances in 1970 and 1986.
The historic record does not stop there, as Azteca will also become the first stadium to host three opening matches in World Cup history, after hosting the opening matches of the 1970 and 1986 editions, before returning to open the 2026 World Cup with a match between the Mexican national team and South Africa.
The stadium, located in the Mexican capital Mexico City, is linked to the greatest moments in football, having witnessed the coronation of legends Pelé with the Brazilian national team in 1970 and Maradona with the Argentine national team in 1986, making it the only stadium to have united both legends in the World Cup champions’ record.
The stadium also witnessed Maradona’s famous goal against England, known as the “Goal of the Century,” in one of the most famous World Cup matches in history.
Azteca Stadium has completed its renovation work in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, making it ready to host the global event amid great fan anticipation for the return of one of the stadiums most associated with World Cup history.
Dates and Milestones
May 31, 1970: Opening of the 1970 World Cup
June 21, 1970: Brazil crowned World Cup champions
May 31, 1986: Opening of the 1986 World Cup
June 22, 1986: Maradona scores the “Goal of the Century” against England
June 29, 1986: Argentine national team crowned World Cup champions
June 11, 2026: Opening of the 2026 World Cup
2026: First stadium to host 3 World Cup opening matches
2026: Azteca Stadium hosts 5 matches in the World Cup
Spectator capacity after renovation: Over 80,000
