TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The opening whistle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was blown memorably at the Estadio Azteca. Setting the tone with noise, color, and emotion, Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 at one of football’s most iconic venues.
Perched more than 2,200 meters above sea level, Azteca Stadium presents a unique challenge for visiting teams, with the high altitude often contributing to fatigue among players unfamiliar with the conditions.
Beyond its physical demands, the Mexico City venue is steeped in football history. With the iconic arena welcoming another generation of fans, here are the key facts you need to know about one of football’s most legendary stadiums.
Azteca Stadium was closed nearly 2 years
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Estadio Azteca underwent a major transformation. The iconic venue closed in May 2024 for an extensive renovation project designed to meet FIFA requirements and modernize the fan experience.
With an estimated cost of around $150 million, the redevelopment includes a range of structural and technological upgrades. Improvements include expanded seating capacity of approximately 80,000, new seats, upgraded giant screens, and revamped media and locker room facilities. The stadium will also have enhanced lighting, security, and connectivity, Yahoo Sports reported.
Pele and his third World Cup at Estadio Azteca
Estadio Azteca was the setting for one of Pele’s greatest career moments. The Brazilian legend lifted his third FIFA World Cup trophy at the Mexico City venue in 1970.
Brazil’s dazzling performances throughout that tournament captivated local fans, and the celebrations reached their peak after the team's 4-1 victory in the final. At the final whistle, supporters flooded the pitch to celebrate a side widely regarded as one of the greatest teams ever assembled.
Maradona and the “the Hand of God” at Azteca Stadium
Estadio Azteca added another unforgettable chapter to its history during the 1986 FIFA World Cup, which returned to Mexico 16 years after Pele’s triumph.
The venue hosted the legendary quarter-final between Argentina and England, where Diego Maradona produced two of the sport’s most famous goals within minutes of each other.
The first was the infamous “Hand of God” goal, a controversial strike that escaped the referee’s attention. Moments later, Maradona embarked on a breathtaking run from midfield, weaving past multiple defenders to score a goal that is still celebrated as one of the greatest ever witnessed on a World Cup stage.
World Cup schedule at Estadio Azteca 2026
As one of the centerpiece venues of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Estadio Azteca is set to host five matches, including Mexico’s opening fixture and a knockout-stage showdown. Here is the full schedule of World Cup matches taking place at the iconic Mexico City stadium:
June 11: Mexico vs. South Africa
June 17: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
June 24: Czechia vs. Mexico
June 30: Match 79 - Group A winners vs. Group C/E/F/H/I third place
July 5: Match 92 - Winner match 79 vs. Winner match 80
With Azteca Stadium once again at the heart of football’s biggest stage, fans can check out the full 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule to follow every match taking place across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Read: Top 10 Highest Paid Managers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5502852/original/043074800_1771048777-4.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5263253/original/068977400_1750812433-Cek_Fakta_Tidak_Benar_Ini_Link_Pendaftaran__10_.jpg)
