Group AFT
MEXMexico
2 – 0HT 1–0
RSASouth Africa
FIFA Venue: Estadio Banorte
Estadio Azteca
A cathedral of the game at 2,200 m altitude, the Azteca is the only stadium to host three World Cup tournaments (1970, 1986, 2026). It will open the 2026 finals — the venue where Pelé lifted the trophy and Maradona scored the goal of the century.
Capacity83,000
Opened
RoofOpen
HostsOpening match
About the stadium
Inaugurated in 1966 and perched 2,200 m above sea level, the Estadio Azteca is the spiritual home of Mexican football and of Club América. It is the first stadium to host three editions of the men’s World Cup.
Its turf has staged some of the game’s defining moments — Pelé’s 1970 final, and in 1986 both Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” against England and his title-winning final.
Signature feature
The only stadium to host three World Cups — and three World Cup opening matches.Quick facts
TenantsClub América · Mexico national team
Playing surfaceNatural grass
ArchitectPedro Ramírez Vázquez
Host cityMexico City
World Cup 2026 role
The Azteca hosts the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, along with further group-stage and knockout fixtures.
Memorable matches
•World Cup FinalFull Time
Argentina3 – 2West Germany
“Maradona captained Argentina to the title.”
•World Cup Quarter-finalFull Time
Argentina2 – 1England
“The “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century”, four minutes apart.”
•World Cup FinalFull Time
Brazil4 – 1Italy
“Pelé’s Brazil, often called the greatest team ever, lifted the trophy.”
Location
Mexico City
Mexico
Public transitTren Ligero to Estadio Azteca
AirportMexico City Int’l (MEX) · ~30 min
Stadium
Frequently asked questions
- What is the capacity of Estadio Azteca?
- Estadio Azteca holds 83,000 spectators.
- Where is Estadio Azteca located?
- Estadio Azteca is in Mexico City, Mexico.
- What World Cup 2026 matches are played at Estadio Azteca?
- Estadio Azteca hosts 4 World Cup 2026 matches.