Estadio Azteca makes World Cup history with third opening ceremony

The iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is set to make history by hosting its third FIFA World Cup opening ceremony on June 11, 2026. The stadium, inaugurated in 1966, will kick off the tournament with the match between host nation Mexico and South Africa, becoming the first venue globally to achieve this distinction.

Nicknamed the "Colossus of Santa Úrsula," the Azteca boasts a storied past in World Cup tournaments. In 1970, it hosted ten matches, including the legendary "Match of the Century" between Italy and West Germany. That same year, Brazil secured their third world title against Italy in a memorable final held at the venue.

During the 1986 World Cup, the stadium hosted nine games, most notably the quarter-final clash between Argentina and England. This match featured Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal and his spectacular "Goal of the Century" just minutes later. Maradona would go on to lift the World Cup trophy with Argentina in that tournament.

With five matches scheduled for the 2026 World Cup, the Estadio Azteca will bring its total World Cup games to 24, solidifying its status as the stadium with the most matches in the tournament's history. Historically, the opening matches at the Azteca have ended in draws, with a 0-0 result between Mexico and the Soviet Union in 1970 and a 1-1 tie between Italy and Bulgaria in 1986. The upcoming match aims to break this pattern and provide a decisive outcome.