The owners of boxes at Mexico’s iconic Estadio Banorte have won their dispute with FIFA over control of these spaces during the 2026 World Cup.

Long-term contracts resolved

The conflict centered on the use of boxes and VIP areas. Back in the 1960s, the stadium signed 99-year agreements for box access to help finance its 1966 redevelopment. Today, the boxes account for 12,500 individual seats out of the 90,000 planned once the ongoing modernization is completed.

After lengthy negotiations, a deal was reached between Ollamani’s subsidiary and FIFA, which is renting the stadium for the tournament. Under the agreement, the stadium owner will assume significant obligations and payments to FIFA to ensure box holders can access them during the World Cup, according to a statement sent to local media. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed, and FIFA has declined to comment.

Ollamani admitted in a separate statement that talks took time because, of the 16 stadiums selected to host matches, only Estadio Banorte faced this specific issue. To guarantee access, box owners will need to complete an online registration process that opens in the coming days.

© Grupo Reforma | Estadio Banorte Project

Arena enters a new era ahead of the World Cup

The stadium is undergoing a major overhaul under a naming-rights agreement with Grupo Financiero Banorte. The deal includes a 12-year loan worth $106 million. Meanwhile, Mexico’s finance secretary Juan Pablo de Botton told Bloomberg TV that the city is heavily investing in security, infrastructure, and mobility to get ready for the tournament.

Estadio Banorte is set to host five of the 13 matches played in Mexico, including the opening game. That would make it the only stadium in the world to stage the World Cup’s opening match three times. The 2026 tournament will also be played in Canada and the United States.

© Grupo Reforma | Estadio Banorte Project