Azteca Stadium Reopens for 2026 World Cup with Over 87,000 Capacity
Félix Aguirre, director of the iconic Azteca Stadium, currently officially known as Estadio BBVA Banorte, announced the venerable sports facility's readiness to reopen next Saturday night. The occasion will be a friendly match between Mexico and Portugal.
This milestone follows the completion of extensive renovations that began in May 2024. The project aimed to modernize the stadium's facilities, located south of Mexico City, and enhance its operational efficiency to host major competitions.
The renovation project, which involved approximately 2,200 workers operating in continuous shifts, increased the seating capacity from 83,000 to 87,500 spectators. It also included the installation of new seats, a sophisticated sound system, and two giant display screens.
Further updates encompassed the development of changing rooms and the installation of a hybrid pitch compliant with the latest technical standards. Félix Aguirre stated, “At one stage, we demolished the lower stands to create suites and halls that were not good, and now we are restoring those stands and returning to the original Azteca design.” This effort is part of the management's drive to restore the stadium's architectural identity.
This reopening brings to mind the stadium's rich history, having first opened in 1966. It witnessed Brazil's triumph in the 1970 World Cup and Argentina's victory in 1986.
The facility had not undergone development of this magnitude since 2016, when specific modifications were made to host American football league (NFL) games. Today, it stands fully prepared to welcome fans in its renewed form.
