Estadio Azteca

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Lore & Background

One of the best known football stadiums in the world, often called the 'Temple of Football' or the 'Cathedral of Football', it was the first to host two FIFA World Cup finals; Brazil 4–1 Italy in 1970 and Argentina 3–2 West Germany in 1986. It also hosted the 1986 quarter-final match between Argentina and England (2–1) in which Diego Maradona scored both the 'Hand of God goal' and the 'Goal of the Century'. Both Pelé's (1970) and Diego Maradona's (1986) national teams won the FIFA World Cup in Estadio Azteca. It also hosted the 'Game of the Century', when Italy 4–3 West Germany in extra time in one of the 1970 semifinal matches. The stadium was the principal venue for the football tournament of the 1968 Summer Olympics and the 1971 Women's World Cup. It also hosted games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the opening game where Mexico played against South Africa, making it the only stadium to host three editions of the FIFA World Cup. Additionally, the National Football League (NFL) of the United States features one game of American football at the stadium per season as a part of its International Series.

In Their Own Story

On June 11, 2026, the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City hosted the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This was the third time Mexico hosted the tournament, after 1970 and 1986, making it the first country to do so. The stadium was one of 16 venues across three nations. The tournament concluded on July 19 with Spain defeating Argentina 1–0 in the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Spain won its second title, its first since 2010, and became the first nation to hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles simultaneously.

Reader's Guide

Estadio Azteca was envisioned as a major sports venue during the presidency of Adolfo López Mateos; Mexico was awarded the 1968 Summer Olympics in 1963, and the football final was held there. Designed by architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Rafael Mijares Alcérreca, the stadium broke ground in 1961 and the inaugural match was between Club América and Torino F.C. on 29 May 1966, with a capacity for 107,494 spectators. The first goal was scored by Brazilian Arlindo Dos Santos and the second one by Brazilian José Alves; later, the Italians tied the game, which ended in a 2–2 draw. Mexican president Gustavo Díaz Ordaz made the initial kick and FIFA president Sir Stanley Rous was the witness. A modern illumination system was inaugurated on 5 June 1966, with the first night game played between Spanish side Valencia C.F. and Necaxa. The first goal of the match was scored by Honduran José Cardona for Valencia. Roberto Martínez, aka Caña Brava, became the first Mexican to score a goal in the stadium after scoring for Necaxa. The result was a 3–1 victory for Valencia. In 1978, the stadium hosted the final of the Copa Interamericana between América and Boca Juniors of Argentina, and again in 1990 between América and Club Olimpia of Paraguay. The venue is where superstars Pelé (1970) and Diego Maradona (1986) lifted the FIFA World Cup Trophy for the last time. Estadio Azteca has also been used for musical performances throughout its history. Michael Jackson (5 sold-out shows in 1993), Menudo (in 1983), U2 (in 2006 and 2011), Luis Miguel (in 2002), Paul McCartney (in 2012 and 2017), Elton John, Maná, Juan Gabriel, Gloria Estefan, Jaguares, Lenny Kravitz, *Nsync, Hanson, Ana Gabriel, and The Three Tenors all have become part of the stadium's main spectacle. The stadium has also been used for political events, including Mexican president Felipe Calderón's campaign closure in 2006, as well as religious events, such as Jehovah's Witnesses conventions and the appearance of Pope John Paul II in 1999. In April 2017, it was announced that starting July 2018, Cruz Azul would relocate to the Azteca on a temporary basis, due to the impending demolition of the Estadio Azul. The stadium hosted multiple matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the opener. It was the third World Cup for Azteca, which hosted the final match in both 1970 and 1986.

Did You Know?

• The stadium was the first to host two FIFA World Cup finals.
• It is the only stadium to host three editions of the FIFA World Cup.
• The first goal scored at the stadium was by Brazilian Arlindo Dos Santos.
• The stadium hosted the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa.