World Cup stadium to make instant history next summer after $80million upgrade

Mexico’s iconic Estadio Azteca is set to become the first venue to host matches across three separate World Cup tournaments.

The stadium, located in Mexico City, is the scene of some of the World Cup’s most renowned moments.

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Brazilian legend Pele lifted the famous trophy with Mario Zagallo’s famed side in 1970 while Diego Maradona tasted World Cup glory with Argentina in 1986.

A stunning face-lift

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup with the match taking place at the newly renovated Azteca.

The stadium will show off its recent makeover after undergoing renovations amounting to a whopping $80million (£59.95m).

“The stadium is coming along nicely,” Estefanía Padilla, head of marketing and operations for the Mexico City World Cup headquarters, told the Los Angeles Times.

“We are working hard every day to be ready for the inauguration in March. Everything is going smoothly.”

South Africa are unlikely to be the first international visitors to the newly-refurbished arena.

Organisers are hoping the stadium will be ready for when Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal face Mexico in a friendly on March 28.

Work on the stadium started in mid-2024 with upgrades made to infrastructure, airports and transportation.

“Mexico City is the soul of the World Cup,” Padilla said. “Hopefully, everyone will be able to visit. Mexico is very famous internationally for its culture and gastronomy.”

Catering for the fans

The festivities at next year’s showpiece tournament will be felt across Mexico City with 12 museums set to participate in World Cup events including the Museo Franz Mayer.

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There also will be an exhibition by Annie Leibovitz at the National Museum of Anthropology.

The fan festival will be set up in Zoclo – Mexico City’s main public square and will feature the largest video screen across all the World Cup venues.

Organisers are anticipating around 60,000 fans in attendance per day and in excess of 100,000 during Mexico’s matches. The final numbers are expected to reach 2.5 million during the tournament.

There are plans for concerts to take place in the Mexican capital during the month-long World Cup.

The National Auditorium is set to play host to a selection of international artists with a fashion show highlighting local clothing also in the works.

However, security concerns remain in place as organised crime continues to wreak havoc in the country.

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Violence, linked to drug trafficking, has gripped Mexico in recent months which has affected the popularity of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

“We have developed a comprehensive plan that coordinates all levels of government.

“Our goal is to ensure that this event takes place in a safe environment for everyone,” said Gabriela Cuevas, federal coordinator for the World Cup, during a recent presentation alongside Sheinbaum.

Sheinbaum was present at Friday’s World Cup draw alongside U.S. president Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.