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In June 2020, the Estadio Azteca was announced as one of the host venues for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
After delays to the start of the redevelopment project in early 2024, refurbishments at the Azteca are now finally underway ahead of the World Cup.
However, there are still some issues to resolve.
Estadio Azteca renovation and new design
The stadium redevelopment will see the capacity of Estadio Azteca increased to 90,000. Grupo Reforma revealed the extent of the changes in May 2024. These include the demolition of one of the lower stands, along with the installation of 2,000 square metres of LED screens on the exterior of the stadium.
Other changes will include the relocation of the dressing rooms, expansion of the press and hospitality areas, as well as vastly improved facilities for supporters, including restaurants, bars and commercial areas.
The overall aim of the renovation project is to modernise the stadium in line with FIFA’s requirements while also maintaining the ground’s historic feel.
Issues concerning ‘luxury box owners’ at Estadio Azteca
dir=”ltr”>Box owners at Mexico’s iconic Azteca Stadium refuse to release their seats for the 2026 World Cup https://t.co/WZtNdhzCKr
— Chris Sherman (@chrisshermanAP) May 9, 2024
Associated Press reported in May 2024 that the ‘luxury box owners’ at Estadio Azteca were unhappy with FIFA’s plans to take full control of the boxes over the course of the tournament, which will last 30 days.
In the 1960s, the boxes were sold to private investors to help with the stadium's construction costs. This gave them unlimited access to “use them for 99 years.” In 2024, there are 134 box owners, including Roberto Ruano, whose father bought one of the boxes decades ago.
Speaking to Associated Press, he said: “There were no issues in 1970. For the 1986 World Cup they wanted us out and we met with FIFA officials, and they allowed us to use our place without extra pay, so there's a precedent for it.”
He added: “We've already paid for the right to be there when we purchased the title and there can be no restrictions for us. We have a title to support us. It's not up for debate.”
Some box owners have decided to give up their seats for the 2026 World Cup after being assured that they will be upgraded and receive other benefits. Ruano said, “Every owner has the right to see what's best for them. But that's not my case. I have the right to be there, and nobody can force me out. It would be like someone forcing me out of my own home.”
Will the Estadio Azteca renovation project be done by 2026?
The grass on the Estadio Azteca pitch has now been removed, and various sections of the ground have also been demolished. Also, the crest of Club America, who play their home matches at the stadium, has been removed to comply with FIFA’s regulations.
It was announced in April 2024 that the stadium did not meet FIFA’s stadium requirements, and the redevelopment project was delayed by six months. However, it is now underway and is scheduled to be finished at the end of 2025.
? BREAKING NEWS
Mexico City's Azteca Stadium does not meet #WorldCup standards, a #FIFA First Committee report for 2024 shows.This comes after a technical committee from FIFA visited #Mexico ?? to inspect facilities and noticed that development works are delayed by 6 months pic.twitter.com/o10SdC19Cm
— World Stadiums ? (@Worldstadium_EN) April 2, 2024
2026 World Cup matches at Estadio Azteca
Estadio Azteca has already hosted matches at two World Cups, in 1970 and 1986. The 1970 final between Brazil and Italy remains one of the most memorable games in football history, with over 100,000 inside the stadium to witness a 4-1 win for the Selecao.
Sixteen years later, Argentina beat West Germany 4-2 in the final at the Azteca, with Diego Maradona the catalyst for victory.
At the 2026 World Cup, Estadio Azteca will host five matches, including the opening game of the tournament on Thursday, 11 June 2026, which will involve Mexico. Two knockout matches are also scheduled to be played here.