Mexico City Stadium, historically known as the Azteca Stadium, will host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reinforcing its legacy as one of the most iconic venues in football history.
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Mexico City Stadium: Capacity, Location, Matches and Everything You Need to Know
The most historic stadium in world football is ready to make history again. It will host the opening match and become the first to stage three World Cups.
Located in the Mexican capital, this legendary stadium will once again take center stage, confirming its place among the greatest arenas in the sport.
🏗️ Stadium History
Opened in 1966, the stadium was designed by Mexican architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Rafael Mijares Alcérreca to host matches at the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
Over the years, it has staged some of the most memorable moments in football history, including two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986), featuring legends such as Pelé and Diego Maradona.
In 2026, it will make history once again by becoming the first stadium to host matches in three different FIFA World Cups, as well as the first to host three opening matches.
📊 Capacity
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico City Stadium will have an approximate capacity of 83,000 spectators, making it one of the largest venues in the tournament.
📍 Location
The stadium is located in Mexico City, within the Coyoacán borough, specifically in the Santa Úrsula Coapa neighborhood.
It is one of the most iconic sports landmarks in the capital and a key destination for football fans worldwide.
🚇 How to Get There
Mexico City Stadium offers multiple access options:
- Public transport: Estadio Azteca Light Rail station
- Car: access via Calzada de Tlalpan
- Ride-sharing: taxis and app-based services
📅 World Cup Matches
Mexico City Stadium will host a total of five matches, including the opening game of the tournament:
- June 11 – Mexico vs South Africa – Group A – 3:00 PM ET (Opening Match)
- June 17 – Uzbekistan vs Colombia – Group K – 10:00 PM ET
- June 24 – Mexico vs UEFA Playoff D – Group A – 9:00 PM ET
- June 30 – 1A vs 3CEGHI – Round of 32 – 9:00 PM ET
- July 5 – G79 vs G80 – Round of 16 – 8:00 PM ET
🎯 Key Fact
Mexico City Stadium will become the first venue in history to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches, cementing its status as one of football’s greatest stadiums.
🌎 Mexico City and the World Cup
Mexico City is one of the world’s most important capitals and a major cultural, political, and sporting hub. Originally founded in 1325 as Tenochtitlan, it is now the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world.
Football is deeply rooted in its identity, with historic clubs such as Club América, Cruz Azul, and Pumas, and a long tradition of hosting major international events, including the 1968 Olympic Games and two FIFA World Cups.
