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The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is entering its final days, and fresh footage from Mexico City has offered fans a glimpse of one of football's most iconic venues as it prepares to take centre stage once again.
With the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa now just a week away, the iconic Estadio Azteca is looking ready for another historic chapter in its remarkable story.
Estadio Azteca footage shows Mexico vs South Africa preparations
New footage from outside and inside the legendary venue shows the stadium taking on a distinctly World Cup appearance ahead of the opening match of the 2026 tournament.
FIFA branding has now been installed around the venue, while colourful displays featuring the flags of competing nations can be seen adorning the stadium exterior.
The images also provide a look at the extensive renovation work that has been completed in preparation for the competition, with the iconic ground looking refreshed and ready to welcome supporters from around the world.
Few stadiums carry the history of the Estadio Azteca.
The Mexico City venue previously hosted the opening matches of both the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cups and staged two of the most famous finals in football history.
Now it is preparing to make history once again.
When Mexico face South Africa in the opening game of the 2026 tournament, one of the five matches it will host this summer, the Estadio Azteca will become the first stadium ever to host three World Cup opening matches.
That achievement places the stadium in a category entirely of its own.
FGG says: Estadio Azteca is worthy of football history
At this World Cup, there are newer stadiums, there are bigger stadiums, and there are certainly more technologically advanced stadiums, but very few venues can match the aura of the Azteca.
The footage captures a stadium that looks vibrant, colourful and ready for the spotlight, while the tournament branding only adds to the sense of occasion.
The fact that Azteca is about to become the first stadium in history to host three World Cup opening matches feels entirely fitting.
From Pele in 1970 to Maradona in 1986 and now another generation of stars in 2026, few grounds have witnessed so many defining moments in football history. Next week, it adds another chapter to that legacy.
For fans looking to add an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, the 2026 World Cup betting guide offers expert insights on odds, markets, and strategies ahead of kickoff.