Estadio Azteca box owners threaten World Cup 2026 opening boycott

Owners of luxury boxes and suites at the Estadio Azteca are threatening a boycott of the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony if their conflict with FIFA over stadium access is not resolved. Roberto Ruano, representing the Mexican Association of Box and Suite Holders, warned that they might organize actions to disrupt the June 11 opening if restrictions on commercializing their spaces and on bringing food and drinks into the stadium are not lifted.

"They are pushing us to accept the support offered by the CNTE. If there is no dialogue by Wednesday, on Thursday we will ask for support from other protesting groups," Ruano stated. The dispute involves approximately 15,000 seats. FIFA, as it has done since 1998, demands complete control over all spectator areas in World Cup stadiums. However, the Estadio Azteca's box and suite owners have unique 99-year usage rights, granted when the stadium was built in 1966, allowing unrestricted access to events, including past World Cups.

Ruano indicated that the owners are considering seeking support from the National Union of Education Workers (CNTE) and other social groups that have recently protested in Mexico City. "I want to call on Emilio Azcárraga to sit down and talk. We are just days away from the World Cup, and we have the backing of various sectors if the blockade against us continues," he warned. He also denounced that stadium authorities, along with representatives from FIFA, FIFA Mexico, and involved companies, have refused to meet with them.

The owners plan to formally notify authorities of their legal measures today at 2:00 PM, asserting their right to bring food and beverages into the venue. "They don't want to receive the notification, but we will leave it even under the door," Ruano concluded.

“

No quieren recibir la notificación, pero la vamos a dejar incluso debajo de la puerta