The Estadio Azteca was envisioned as a major sports venue during the presidency of
Adolfo López Mateos, when Mexico was awarded the
1968 Summer Olympics, where the football final was held. The stadium was designed by architects
Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and
Rafael Mijares Alcérreca and broke ground in 1961. The inaugural match was between
Club América and
Torino F.C. on 29 May 1966, with a capacity for 107,494 spectators. The first goal was scored by Brazilian
Arlindo Dos Santos and the second one by Brazilian
José Alves; later, the Italians tied the game, which ended in 2–2 draw. Mexican president
Gustavo Díaz Ordaz made the initial kick and
FIFA president
Sir Stanley Rous was the witness. A modern illumination system was inaugurated on 5 June 1966, with the first night game played between Spanish side
Valencia C.F. and
Necaxa. The first goal of the match was scored by
Honduran José Cardona for Valencia. Roberto Martínez, aka Caña Brava, became the first Mexican to score a goal in the stadium after scoring for Necaxa. The result was a 3–1 victory for Valencia. In 1978 the stadium hosted the final of the
Copa Interamericana between América and
Boca Juniors of
Argentina, and would host a final again in 1990 between América and
Club Olimpia of
Paraguay. The Estadio Azteca is also the site in which
Pelé and
Diego Maradona (during the
1970 and
1986 FIFA World Cup) lifted the trophy for the last time (The
Jules Rimet Trophy and the current
FIFA World Cup Trophy, respectively). Estadio Azteca has also been used for musical performances throughout its history.
Michael Jackson (5 sold-out shows in 1993),
Menudo (in 1983),
U2 (in 2006 and 2011),
Luis Miguel (in 2002),
Paul McCartney (in 2012 and 2017),
Elton John,
Maná,
Juan Gabriel,
Gloria Estefan,
Jaguares,
Lenny Kravitz,
*Nsync,
Hanson,
Ana Gabriel, and
The Three Tenors all have become part of the stadium's main spectacle. The stadium has also been used for political events, including Mexican president
Felipe Calderón's campaign closure in 2006, as well as religious events, such as Jehovah's Witnesses conventions and the appearance of Pope
John Paul II in 1999. In April 2017, it was announced that starting July 2018,
Cruz Azul would relocate to the Azteca on a temporary basis, due to the impending demolition of the
Estadio Azul. The stadium is scheduled to host matches during the
2026 FIFA World Cup, including the opening match, in a tournament to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It will be the third time Azteca has hosted World Cup games; in
1970 and
1986, games also took place at the stadium.
2015–19 renovation project The stadium has undergone gradual improvements and renovations, including the replacing of seating within the stadium as well as the installation of electronic advertising boards. In May 2015, modern
Panasonic LED panels were installed at the north and south ends of the stadium, replacing the phosphorous panels installed in 1998. In February 2015, a vast renovation plan was unveiled with the intention that the completion of the project coincide with the stadium's 50th anniversary and with Club América's
centenary in 2016, as well as the construction of a commercial hub outside the stadium to be completed some time in 2019. It was reported that
Televisa, owners of the stadium, approved a joint-venture bid from private development firms IQ Real Estate and Alhel. The hub, named "Foro Azteca", would reportedly consist of a mall, office spaces, two hotels, new leisure spaces, and parking spaces for 2,500 cars. The renovations to the stadium were completed in November 2016, with the seating capacity ultimately reduced to 81,070.
2026 World Cup and renovation works Mexico City was formally announced as a host city for the
2026 FIFA World Cup in June 2020 when
FIFA announced the host cities for the tournament. Mexico City is one of three host cities in Mexico and is one of sixteen host cities overall for the tournament which is being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. On 4 February 2024, it was revealed that the stadium would host the opening match of both
Mexico and the tournament on 11 June 2026. In total, the stadium will host five matches: three group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 match, hosting four of Mexico's games if they win group A. A major renovation for the tournament, delayed several times due to financing and access issues, began with the stadium's closure in May 2024. The seating capacity was increased from 83,000 to 87,500 spectators, new video screens were installed, and a hybrid turf pitch was laid. The renovation plan included refurbishing the stadium facade, the installation of LED lighting, new locker rooms under the suites, and a tunnel for the players. High-resolution LED screens were to be installed throughout the stadium, and the seats in the stands would be replaced. Special lounges in the lower part of the stadium were also removed to provide more space in the stands. The stadium was planned to be structurally reinforced by building two large areas on the sides that will serve as bars. The roof was planned to be renovated, which has reportedly not been repaired for a long time and suffers from leaking. In March 2025, FIFA was accused by
Building and Wood Workers' International labor union of not allowing their members to inspect safety regulations taking place during the renovations. Estadio Azteca reopened on 28 March 2026 with a friendly between Mexico and
Portugal that ended in a secoreless draw. A spectator died during the pre-match ceremonies after an apparent fall from a box suite. The renovated stadium was criticized by
The Athletic for uneven concrete work, unfinished furnishings, and a chaotic security queue. ==Name==