Mexico's Azteca Stadium Races Against Time for the 2026 World Cup

Mexico is racing against time to prepare the Azteca Stadium for the opening of the 2026 World Cup in three months. The stadium, which will be reborn under the name Banorte Stadium in Mexico City, is still undergoing renovations, although it is targeted to be opened on Sunday (29/3/2026).

Time continues to pass as workers are hammering and installing seats in the stands of the Azteca Stadium, Thursday (26/3/2026). Drone footage shows workers installing seats and placing the name of the new stadium on the facade. A banner has also been unfurled near the stadium reading "The Ball is Back Home."

All renovation work is targeted to be completed by Saturday (28/3/2026) local time or Sunday (29/3/2026) morning WIB. This target has been set because the stadium will be reopened for a friendly match between Mexico and Portugal.

However, doubts have arisen from the residents themselves. "I know they work almost seven days a week, 24 hours a day, trying to resolve it," said local resident Emilio Castrejon.

"However, what I heard is that it was very complicated for them to solve it," he said again.

This year's World Cup is being held for the first time in three countries, namely the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Additionally, this World Cup is the first to feature 48 countries, an increase from the previous 32 countries.

Mexico has the honor of starting the tournament in their capital at the Azteca Stadium on June 11, 2026. Mexico will face South Africa at the stadium in the opening match.

For the Azteca Stadium, this will be the third time it has hosted the World Cup. The stadium previously hosted the event in 1970 and 1986, including holding the star-studded final matches featuring players such as Pelé and Diego Maradona.

Since May 2024, the Azteca Stadium has been undergoing extensive renovations. The renovations include the addition of new seats in all sections, the installation of video screens, adjustments to lighting and changing rooms, as well as the replacement of entrances, a hybrid field, and a sound system with 250 speakers.

In 2011, the Azteca Stadium hosted the final of the U-17 World Cup. At that time, the number of spectators reached 98,943, setting a record for the highest attendance in the history of this prestigious football tournament.

The Director of the Stadium, Felix Aguirre, and owner Emilio Azcarraga Jean stated that the new changing rooms and the new entrance to the field are the most challenging parts of the renovation phase. This work has delayed the overall renovation.

"This stadium has undergone a significant modernization process that will enhance the experience for football fans in every aspect. Rest assured, this iconic stadium and symbol of Mexico City will be fully ready," said Aguirre in early March.

In their plan, after entering the first phase with the reopening of the friendly match between Mexico and Portugal, the stadium will undergo renovations again. Azcarraga is confident that there will still be remaining work to be completed in the next phase.

“The complexity of this project makes it impossible to do everything at once,” he said.

Residents of Mexico City, Elizabeth Herrera, believes that the obstacles in the renovation process point to a deeper frustration. According to Herrera, the parties involved rushed everything, even though there was actually plenty of time available beforehand.

However, not everyone feels pessimistic. Another resident, Ana Dominguez, stated that the broader transformation of the stadium gives her hope.

"Renovation is difficult even in our own homes. Renovation is challenging, but in the end, when it is completed, you see the changes," said Dominguez.

The stadium has passed its final audio and video tests before the football authorities. The match between Mexico and Portugal will serve as a significant test and a measure of their readiness. (AP/REUTERS)