Estadio Azteca – tournament stadium description

What will Estadio Azteca be called during the 2026 World Cup?

During the 2026 World Cup, Estadio Azteca will still be called Estadio Azteca. The name ‘Azteca’ is a tribute to Mexico City's Aztec heritage.

What changes will have to take place at Estadio Azteca before the 2026 World Cup?

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Estadio Azteca in Mexico will undergo significant upgrades. Renovations will include the restoration of the stadium's facade and the installation of LED lighting. The interior of the venue will also be changed: new changing rooms under the boxes and a tunnel for the players will be created. High-resolution LED screens will be installed throughout the stadium, and the seats in the stands will be replaced. The redevelopment of Estadio Azteca will cost around 2 billion Mexican pesos (around €110 million).

Before the start of the championships, all stadiums will have to undergo tests to show whether they meet FIFA's detailed requirements for such a major event. Changes made to the venues as a result may include upgrades to the pitch surface, seating enhancements, improved accessibility and updates to stadium technology and security systems to ensure the arenas meet FIFA's international standards.

How will Estadio Azteca be used for the 2026 World Cup?

Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, will host five matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The plan is to play three group stage matches, including two Mexico matches, which will take place on June 11, 17, and 24, and one round of 32 match scheduled for June 30 and a round of 16 match scheduled for July 5.

What hours will the 2026 World Cup games at Estadio Azteca be broadcast?

The 2026 World Cup matches at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City are likely to be played at 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00 local time (Central Time). Converting these times to UK time (BST), the matches will be available for viewing at 18:00 and 21:00 and 00:00 and 03:00 the following day, respectively. In Australia (AEST), they will be available for viewing at 03:00, 06:00, 09:00 and 12:00 the following day. So fans in the UK will be able to watch the matches in the evening, and at night the following day. Fans in Australia will watch the matches at night, in the morning and early afternoon the following day.

Where is Estadio Azteca, the 2026 World Cup stadium, located?

Estadio Azteca is located in the southern part of Mexico City, in the district of Coyoacán, which is one of the 16 administrative districts of the country's capital, Mexico City. The district is known for its rich history and culture, historical monuments and green spaces. The surroundings of the Estadio Azteca stadium include not only urban areas, but also surrounding parks, plazas and urban infrastructure. The region of Mexico where the stadium is located is one of the most densely populated areas in the country, as well as in the whole world.

What are the characteristics of Estadio Azteca, the 2026 World Cup stadium?

Construction in the suburban district of Santa Ursula began in August 1962, but the roof was not ready until the second half of 1967. Mexico's national stadium, although it does not have a long history, is one of the most important arenas in world sport. Two World Cups (1970, 1986) and their finals have been held here, as well as many other tournaments: the Olympic Games (1968), the Pan-American Games (1975), the FIFA Confederations Cup (1999).

You can learn more about Estadio Azteca from the presentation of this stadium on our site