/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F06%2Fimago1075076504.jpg)
Fresh controversy has emerged on the eve of the 2026 World Cup after owners of executive boxes at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca have threatened ‘boycotts and protests' over restrictions imposed by FIFA.
The dispute centres on thousands of premium seats inside the historic stadium, which is preparing to host the tournament's opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
Estadio Azteca box owners threaten boycott ahead of Mexico vs South Africa
According to reports, more than 15,000 seats are affected by a row between FIFA, stadium operators and owners of executive suites at the recently renovated Estadio Azteca.
The dispute stems from agreements dating back to the stadium's reconstruction in the 1960s, when boxes were sold with rights that owners claim covered all future sporting and entertainment events for 99 years.
However, FIFA's long-standing policy of taking full commercial control of World Cup venues has resulted in restrictions on ticket sales, hospitality and food and drink arrangements during the tournament.
The Mexican Association of Box and Grandstand Seat Holders has accused FIFA and stadium operators of refusing meaningful dialogue, with spokesperson Roberto Ruano warning that protests and boycotts could follow if a resolution is not reached.
The group has even suggested it could receive backing from the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE), which has staged demonstrations in Mexico City in recent weeks.
The timing is far from ideal, with Estadio Azteca set to make history on June 11th as the first stadium ever to host matches at three different men's World Cups.
FGG says: The last thing FIFA needed before kick-off
Whether the threatened protests materialise remains to be seen, but the optics are far from ideal for FIFA.
The organisation will argue that taking control of stadium operations during the World Cup is standard practice and has been for decades. Equally, the box owners believe they are defending contractual rights that pre-date FIFA's involvement by many years.
What makes this story significant is the timing.
The 2026 World Cup has already faced criticism over ticket pricing, transport costs, visa issues and fan access, so to have another dispute dominating headlines just hours before the opening match is hardly the smooth build-up FIFA would have wanted.
For now, there is no indication that the fixture itself is under threat, but it is another reminder that, even before a ball has been kicked, controversy continues to follow what was supposed to be football's biggest celebration.