Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

World Cup 2026: Who plays at Estadio BBVA?

Opened in 2015, Estadio BBVA is the home of C.F. Monterrey, who play in Liga MX. The 53,5000-capacity stadium was specifically built for football and is the fourth largest stadium in Mexico behind Estadio Azteca, Estadio Olímpico Universitario, and Estadio Jalisco. Estadio BBVA is one of the three Mexican stadiums that will host matches during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

C.F. Monterrey

The first match C.F. Monterrey played at Estadio BBVA was against Benfica in the Eusébio Cup on August 2, 2015. Monterrey beat Benfica 3-0 in front of a capacity crowd.

The Clausura Liga MX campaign in 2016 witnessed some famous wins at Estadio BBVA, including the 4-2 semi-final second leg victory against Club América.

A week later, Monterrey contested the first competitive final at the stadium against C.F. Pachuca. After losing the first leg 1-0 away at Pachuca, Monterrey were unable to overturn the deficit, drawing 1-1 against Pachuca at Estadio BBVA. Monterrey were leading the second leg 1-0, however, a 93rd minute equaliser from Victor Guzman won the tie for Pachuca, breaking Monterrey hearts at their new stadium.

Estadio BBVA witnessed a happier ending in the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League final, as Monterrey won their fourth title against Tigres UANL, drawing 1-1 in the second leg after they won 1-0 away in the first leg.

International football

Estadio BBVA hosted eight matches in the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, including the final. The United States beat Canada 1-0 in the final in front of a crowd of 17,247.

Estadio BBVA
The United States beat Canada 1-0 in the CONCACAF W Championship final at Estadio BBVA – Photo by Icon Sport

The average attendance for the other seven matches held at the stadium was 4,241. Jamaica’s 1-0 victory against Costa Rica in the third place match saw 6,889 people attend.

For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Estadio BBVA will host three group stage matches and a Round of 32 contest.

Concerts

Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Bad Bunny, and The Weeknd have performed live at the venue since 2017. In the two nights that Coldplay performed, 112, 262 people attended the stadium.

Estadio BBVA fun facts

  • Populous helped to design the stadium and built the grandstands around the ground, so that they are only 34 degrees above the pitch. This is the minimum distance allowed under FIFA regulations.
  • The venue picked up a silver certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for its eco-friendly design, becoming the first stadium in North America to achieve this.
  • There are more premium seating and hospitality options than any other football stadium in Latin America at Estadio BBVA.
  • The stadium’s “cantilevered” roof is designed in a bowl shape, covering all four stands to protect spectators and players from the Mexican heat.
  • @JoePompliano provides us with another fun fact, showing off the stadium’s picturesque views.

Fun Fact: The stadium's north end was intentionally built 40% higher so that fans can see the Cerro de la Silla mountains.

(h/t @rickie94) pic.twitter.com/6SK6hYfkJs

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) June 9, 2021

Avatar of Will Murray

Will Murray

Freelance football journalist. Experience writing for When Saturday, Comes, Goalkeeper.com, Elite Scholars and Total Football Analysis. Recently finished an MA in Sport Journalism at the University of Brighton. Long-time season ticket holder at the two-time European Champions Nottingham Forest.

Articles: 342