The Mayor of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, has confirmed that Estadio Azteca will reopen its doors on March 28, 2026, following a comprehensive modernization process as part of the preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Will the Mexican national team inaugurate the modernized stadium?

The grand reopening will take place on March 28, 2026, announced Brugada. Estadio Azteca will host five World Cup matches: one during the reopening, two in the group stage, and two in the knockout stage, she added during a press conference.

The stadium’s modernization aims to meet FIFA’s strict requirements and ensure the venue is ready nearly three months before the tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026. This will make Estadio Azteca the first stadium in history to host the World Cup opening match three times, highlighting its symbolic role in world football.

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The reopening date, March 28, 2026, falls within an international FIFA window (March 23–31), creating an opportunity for an opening match featuring the Mexican national team. There is speculation that their opponent could be Brazil or Argentina.