Five iconic matches that helped define Estadio Azteca ahead of historic 2026 World Cup opener

Few stadiums in world football can rival the history of Estadio Azteca.

The 2026 World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa on June 11th will be the latest chapter in a venue that has already staged some of the most iconic matches ever played.

From World Cup finals and legendary goals to performances that shaped entire careers, the Azteca occupies a unique place in football folklore.

The Mexico City giant has already hosted two men’s World Cup finals and will make history again this week as the first stadium to stage matches at three separate men’s World Cups.

Before the tournament begins, FootballGroundGuide looks back at five unforgettable matches that helped build the Azteca’s reputation as football’s most mythical arena.

Brazil 4–1 Italy (1970 World Cup Final)

For many historians, this remains the greatest World Cup final ever played.

More than 107,000 spectators packed into the Azteca to watch Brazil and Italy meet with a place in history on the line. Both nations had won the World Cup twice, meaning the winner would become the first country to lift the trophy for a third time.

The match became a celebration of Brazilian football at its finest.

Pele opened the scoring with a towering header before Brazil’s flowing attacking play overwhelmed Italy. Jairzinho and Gérson added further goals, but it was Carlos Alberto’s thunderous finish, completing one of the greatest team moves in football history, that became the defining image.

By full-time, Brazil had secured a 4–1 victory, Pele had cemented his status as the sport’s greatest player, and the Azteca had become the cathedral of the beautiful game.

Argentina 3–2 West Germany (1986 World Cup Final)

Sixteen years later, the Azteca hosted another timeless classic in front of 114,600 fans.

Led by Diego Maradona, Argentina appeared to be cruising towards their second World Cup title after racing into a 2–0 lead, but West Germany staged a remarkable comeback, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Voller scoring within seven minutes to level the match.

Just when extra time seemed inevitable, Maradona produced one final moment of brilliance. His perfectly weighted pass released Jorge Burruchaga, who sprinted clear before finishing past Harald Schumacher.

The 3–2 victory secured Argentina’s second World Cup title and made the Azteca the first stadium ever to host two men’s World Cup finals – a record it still holds to this day.

Argentina 2–1 England (1986 World Cup Quarter‑Final)

If one match defines both Maradona and the Azteca, it would be this one.

Played just four years after the Falklands War, the '86 quarter‑final carried huge political and sporting significance. What followed became perhaps the most famous football match ever played.

Within four extraordinary minutes, Maradona scored two goals that would define his legacy forever. The first – the infamous “Hand of God” – remains one of football’s most controversial moments. The second, when he dribbled past half the England team before scoring, is widely regarded as the greatest goal in World Cup history.

Few stadiums can claim to have hosted football’s most debated goal and its greatest goal in the same match.

Mexico 2–1 Bulgaria (1986 World Cup Group Stage)

While Maradona dominated the headlines in 1986, this match delivered one of the tournament’s most iconic goals.

With the score level, Mexican midfielder Manuel Negrete produced a spectacular scissor‑kick volley that flew into the net and sent the Azteca into delirium.

The strike was later voted the greatest goal in World Cup history by FIFA fans and remains one of the defining images of Mexican football.

For many supporters, it is the moment that best captures the passion and energy of football at the Azteca.

Italy 4–3 West Germany (1970 World Cup Semi‑Final)

Known simply as “The Game of the Century”, this is the match against which all World Cup classics are often measured.

After a tense contest finished 1–1 at the end of normal time, the semi‑final exploded into life. Five goals were scored during a breathtaking period of extra time as momentum swung wildly between the two sides.

Italy eventually prevailed 4–3, but the result almost felt secondary to the spectacle itself. The drama, quality and sheer unpredictability elevated the match into football legend.

A commemorative plaque outside the Azteca still honours the game, underlining its status as one of the most important matches ever played.

Estadio Azteca is just built for football history

When Mexico and South Africa walk out for the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, they will be stepping onto one of football’s most sacred stages.

Pele lifted the trophy here. Maradona produced magic here. Two World Cup finals and countless unforgettable moments have unfolded here.

Few stadiums can match the legacy of the Azteca, and this week, football’s most historic arena will once again have the chance to add another chapter to its remarkable story.

And for fans looking ahead to the tournament, our World Cup betting guide offers insights, odds and tips for every stage of the competition.