With just under 100 days until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, the spotlight is firmly on Mexico City.
The tournament’s opening ceremony and first match are due to take place at one of football’s most iconic venues, the Estadio Azteca.
Yet fresh images emerging from the historic ground suggest that all is not entirely on schedule, and with the clock ticking, concerns are beginning to grow.
What is the latest on the Estadio Azteca ahead of the 2026 World Cup?
The legendary Estadio Azteca remains under renovation just over three months before it is due to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, United States and Canada.
The stadium, which closed in May 2024, is undergoing a major redevelopment project reportedly costing close to $150 million (£112 million).
Plans include expanding capacity from just over 83,000 to around 90,000, installing new seating, upgrading giant screens, relocating media areas and dressing rooms, and improving lighting, security and connectivity.
However, recent images show seat installation still incomplete, while visible construction work continues both inside and outside the venue.
Red membrane structures have appeared around the upper sections, altering the stadium’s traditional silhouette. Ownership has acknowledged delays, citing years of limited maintenance that required additional structural work before upgrades could proceed.
Before the tournament begins, and in around 26 days, the stadium is supposed to reopen for a friendly between Mexico and Portugal, potentially featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, before closing again for final adjustments ahead of FIFA’s official takeover.
FGG says: A worrying sight just four months before opening 2026 World Cup fixture
There is no questioning the scale of the task or the stature of the stadium. The Estadio Azteca has staged two World Cup finals and remains one of football’s truly historic venues.
But seeing such visible and ongoing construction work so close to the biggest sporting event on the planet is undeniably concerning.
Test events, logistics planning and operational rehearsals all require certainty, not scaffolding and doubt.
There is still time to finish the job. Yet with only weeks remaining before the global spotlight turns to Mexico City, the margin for error feels uncomfortably thin.