Estadio Azteca to reopen in March 2026 ahead of historic World Cup kickoff

The venue will host a World Cup opening match for the third time in history.

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• The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026
• Estadio Azteca set to stage five matches throughout the competition
• América and Cruz Azul are expected to return to the stadium for the final stages of the Clausura 2026

• AFP
  

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada has confirmed that Estadio Azteca will reopen on March 28, 2026, following an extensive renovation project tied to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium, currently under construction, will be one of the headline venues for the tournament, which will be hosted for the first time across three countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

  “The grand reopening will take place on March 28, 2026,” Brugada confirmed. “The Azteca will host five World Cup matches—one will be the reopening event, two during the group stage, and two more in the knockout rounds,” she added during a press conference.

  The stadium’s refurbishment is aimed at meeting FIFA’s strict standards and ensuring the venue is ready nearly three months before the tournament opener on June 11, 2026. Estadio Azteca will become the first stadium in history to host the opening match of a FIFA World Cup for the third time, a milestone that highlights its symbolic value in world football.

  The ongoing renovations forced América and Cruz Azul to relocate beginning in mid-2024. América have played their home games primarily at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, also using Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla for key matches such as playoff fixtures. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul initially shared Ciudad de los Deportes but moved to Estadio Olímpico Universitario in the Clausura 2025, sharing the venue with Pumas.

  Both clubs are expected to return to Estadio Azteca on March 2026, although the timeline means they’ll have to begin the Clausura 2026 Liguilla at alternate venues. If they reach the final stages, those could be played at the newly reopened Azteca.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  March 28, 2026, coincides with a FIFA international window (March 23–31), making it likely that the Mexican national team could feature in a ceremonial match to mark the stadium's return. There has been speculation that Brazil or Argentina could be invited to take part in the reopening game at the stadium, which will be known as "Mexico City Stadium" during the World Cup, but which was recently renamed Estadio Banorte due to a sponsorship agreement, replacing its historic name, Estadio Azteca.

  In tandem with the stadium upgrades, a broader urban renewal project is underway in southern Mexico City. The initiative includes cultural murals on surrounding streets, designed to reflect local identity and welcome international visitors with a vibrant new look. The entire area around Estadio Azteca will also receive new lighting, upgraded transportation routes, and themed parks.

• AFP
  

  WHAT THE MAYOR SAID

  “We’re going to transform the city through hard work to host one of the world’s most important events. With great joy, we’re preparing to welcome this global football celebration for the third time. As the largest of the 15 World Cup host cities in 2026, our city will proudly receive the world’s greatest sport,” said Clara Brugada.

• AFP
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  With just over a year to go until kickoff, FIFA has opened sales for exclusive hospitality ticket packages for the 2026 World Cup. These premium options offer fans early access to top-tier seating, luxury amenities, and exclusive matchday experiences, though standard tickets are not yet available.