Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is undergoing a major transformation ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Mexico is one of the three hosts of the next World Cup, which will also see the U.S.A. and Canada host several matches.
Estadio Azteca, which has previously hosted historic World Cup finals, is being modernised through the Estadio Azteca renovation project to meet FIFA's latest standards ahead of the tournament. The venue will be ready in early 2026.
The renovation includes structural upgrades, improved fan facilities, and a revamped hybrid pitch designed to deliver a world-class matchday experience.
This post provides you with regular updates on Estadio Azteca renovation, so read on for details.
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 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.
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 throughout 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 relinquish 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?
In April 2024, it was announced 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 in the first quarter of 2026.
December 2025 update: New roof and cutting-edge smart systems installed
Estadio Azteca has already seen massive renovations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A new roof with photovoltaic panels has already been installed, marking a significant leap towards achieving sustainability.
Externally, work on LED lighting is ongoing, aimed at giving the venue a futuristic glow with colourful light shows on matchdays and during events.
Additionally, Populous and KMD Arquitectos, the architectural firms working on the project, have installed Wi-Fi 6, FIFA-standard evacuation plans and smart energy management systems.
May 2025 update: Estadio Azteca gets a new name
According to ESPN, the government of Mexico City has announced that Estadio Azteca will be renamed Estadio Ciudad de México as early as March 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
On 14 March 2025, the stadium's name was changed to Estadio Banorte to reflect a commercial agreement with Grupo Financiero Banorte. This bank is funding renovation works at the venue in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
The bank has injected an additional $105 million loan into the project, which will be repaid over 12 years. This funding arrangement complements a previous $75 million loan obtained by the stadium owners, Grupo Ollamani.
The latest name change to Estadio Banorte marks the second time the stadium has undergone a name change in its history. Notably, in 1997, it was called Estadio Guillermo, but that name was reversed following public backlash. Current survey reports indicate that about 84.6% of the public disapprove of the name Estadio Banorte, according to ESPN.
2026 World Cup matches at Estadio Azteca
Mexico's Estadio Azteca will host five matches during the 2026 World Cup, including the opening game of the largest ever tournament. These matches will take place between 11 June and 5 July 2026. They will include three group-stage games and a game each in the round of 32 and 16.
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Estadio Azteca will be known as Mexico City Stadium.
The stadium 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.