The Mexico City stadium, named Estadio Azteca, will host the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
The stadium was recently renovated and re-opened in March 2026. The new hybrid pitch, upgraded seating, and improved hospitality areas will make this stadium a terrific host for World Cup fans. It will host five matches in total, including a Round of 16 match.
The Mexico City Stadium is famous in World Cup lore. It has hosted two World Cup Finals: Pele's legendary performance in the 1970 and Diego Maradona's "Goal of the Century" in 1986. Perhaps more history will be made in 2026.
Stadium Features
The Mexico City Stadium is the second-largest at the World Cup, capable of hosting over 85,000 people (the Dallas Stadium is the biggest and holds around 94,000). Overall, it ranks as the eighth largest primary soccer stadium in the world.
Seating Capacity | 87,523 |
Opening Date | May 29, 1966 |
Key Features | Commemorative bronze plaque of the "Goal of the Century" |
Host Team (s) | Club America, Mexico National Team |
Stadium Address | Calzada de Tlalpan 3465, Santa Ursula Coapa, Coyoacan, 04650 Mexico City, Mexico |
Stadium Atmosphere
The Mexico City stadium is known for its intense, intimidating atmosphere. With a large capacity and more than 50% of the crowd typically cheering for Club America/Mexico National Team, it can get deafening for the opposing team. Chants, whistles, songs, and shouts happen throughout the entire game, and the extreme altitude (over 7,200 feet above sea level), make it physically demanding as well.
The stadium features a metal and glass ring roof designed to protect fans from the elements and retain the iconic silhouette of the stadium.
Around the stadium, the historic neighborhood of Coyoacan (which includes the Frida Kahlo Museum) is a popular attraction, as well as the volcanic archeological site, Cuicuilco.
Mexico City Stadium Security and Safety
The government has vowed that the surrounding areas of the Mexico City Stadium will be heavily and protected and monitored to ensure a safe experience for fans. Some of those security features include:
Airport-style security
Thorough pat-downs
Strict bag policies
Massive police presence (World Cup Task Force)
Road closures
Mexico City Stadium FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions when people are researching the Mexico City Stadium.
Who owns the Mexico City Stadium?
The stadium is owned by Grupo Ollamani, a sports and entertainment company that is a spin off from the Mexican media company Televisa.
Is the Mexico City Stadium is the biggest stadium in Mexico?
Yes, the Mexico City Stadium is the biggest stadium in Mexico by a large margin. It beats out Olimpico Universitario (cap. 69,000), and Jalisco (55,000).
Is the United States playing at the Mexico City Stadium for the World Cup?
No, due to logistical planning reasons, the USMNT will not be playing at the Mexico City Stadium for the World Cup.
Is the Mexico City Stadium the same as Banorte Stadium?
Yes, both are the same stadium. Banorte, a banking company in Mexico, bought the naming rights to the stadium in 2025.
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