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England are set to face Mexico at Estadio Azteca in the early hours of Monday morning, in a blockbuster round of 16 showdown at World Cup 2026.
Word is spreading amongst Three Lions fans about the extreme altitude in Mexico City and El Tri's fearsome 26-game unbeaten record at their home ground, but as supporters search for every detail about their opponents, they may have noticed something unexpected.
FIFA's official list of World Cup venues does not feature the name ‘Estadio Azteca' at all, and instead, the location of England's clash with Mexico appears as ‘Mexico City Stadium'.
Given the historical significance that the stadium holds in football – it is the place where Pele was coronated, where some of Maradona's greatest moments happened, where two World Cup finals were staged – it is surprising to see its name omitted.
Here, ahead of England's round of 16 tie against El Tri, Football Ground Guide takes a look at why the iconic Estadio Azteca has been renamed as Mexico City Stadium for the 2026 World Cup.
Why is Estadio Azteca now called Mexico City Stadium?
The answer lies in FIFA’s long‑standing tournament rules.
During World Cups, FIFA requires all host venues to adopt neutral, location‑based names, replacing any existing commercial or branded identities. The aim is to avoid conflicts with official sponsors and create a consistent naming structure across every host city.
Even though Estadio Azteca isn’t a corporate name, FIFA still classifies it as a pre‑existing brand rather than an official tournament designation.
As a result, it becomes ‘Mexico City Stadium' across schedules, broadcasts, ticketing and all FIFA communications for the duration of the tournament.
The same rule applies to every 2026 venue.
Will the name change be permanent?
Not at all.
‘Mexico City Stadium' exists only for FIFA’s official use during the 2026 World Cup.
Before, during and after the tournament, the venue will continue to be known throughout Mexico and the wider football world as Estadio Azteca.
Local media, supporters and broadcasters are expected to use the historic name regardless of FIFA’s temporary branding.
In practice, very little changes beyond what appears on official graphics.
FGG says: A new name but the same historic venue
Whatever FIFA calls it, the stadium’s legacy is untouched.
Estadio Azteca remains the only venue to host two men’s World Cup finals, the stage for Brazil’s 1970 triumph and Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” in 1986.
This summer, it made history again as the first stadium to host matches at three men’s World Cups.
To FIFA, it may be Mexico City Stadium. To football fans everywhere, it will always be the Azteca.