Estadio Azteca

Google and the ICA Foundation launched an interactive Google Earth project showcasing the history of Mexico City's Estadio Azteca (now Estadio Banorte) from the 1960s to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The project details its construction challenges, renovations, and iconic moments in sports history, including three World Cup tournaments hosted there.

Harry Kane, a Bota de Oro winner, has scored 14 goals across three World Cups, including notable performances in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. He highlighted a match at Estadio Azteca and key elimination games during the tournaments.

Noruega sorprendió al mundo al vencer 2-1 a Brasil en el Mundial, con un doblete de Erling Haaland. Inglaterra avanzó a cuartos tras derrotar 3-2 a México con diez jugadores en el Estadio Azteca.

England faces Mexico in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 at Estadio Azteca, where Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the 1986 quarterfinals. England's coach Thomas Tuchel emphasized the team is not seeking revenge for the 1986 loss but aims to create a new chapter. Mexico's home advantage, including altitude and crowd support, poses challenges for England.

Mexico’s round of 16 match against England was rescheduled from 6 p.m. to noon local time in Mexico City due to thunderstorm warnings. The change aims to avoid severe weather, with a 95% chance of storms at the original time and a 33% chance at noon. The move may benefit Mexico, whose players are accustomed to the stadium’s high altitude and warm climate.

President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated Mexico’s 2-0 World Cup knockout victory over Ecuador—the country’s first since 1986—but expressed solidarity with families of three people who died in crowd crushes during post-match celebrations. She highlighted nationwide festivities and emphasized the World Cup’s potential to boost tourism by showcasing Mexico’s hospitality.

President Sheinbaum renewed a work-from-home mandate for Mexico City public sector employees on June 30 to reduce traffic before a World Cup match. The decree exempts essential services like health, security, and transportation, and schools at all levels are suspended. Similar measures were implemented ahead of previous World Cup matches in Mexico City.

Mexico has secured the top spot in Group A with six points, hosting Czechia at Estadio Azteca as the race for the second automatic qualification spot tightens among Korea Republic, Czechia, and South Africa.

Mexico’s public squares, particularly the Zócalo in Mexico City, have become major World Cup celebration hubs, drawing over 82,400 daily attendees on average and surpassing stadium capacities. Fan fests in Guadalajara and Monterrey also saw significant turnout, with FIFA reporting over 2 million visitors across host cities. The events generated significant economic activity, with the Zócalo alone contributing $18.6 million in its first week.

Mexico opened the 48-team World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at Estadio Azteca. Raúl Jiménez scored his first World Cup goal in the 67th minute, and Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the ninth minute. The match featured three red cards, including two for South Africa, and 17-year-old Gilberto Mora made his World Cup debut.

The World Cup begins with a Mexico vs South Africa match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City at 4 pm BRT. This fixture mirrors the 2010 tournament opener in Johannesburg, noted as a sports coincidence.

President Claudia Sheinbaum assured fans of 'complete safety' during the World Cup opener in Mexico City, despite planned protests near the stadium. She acknowledged potential delays for attendees but emphasized that logistics are 'under control,' while the FIFA Fan Festival in Zócalo may remain closed due to nearby CNTE protests. Sheinbaum also confirmed Mexico City's airport is operational and highlighted rising international tourism ahead of the tournament.

Peru's overseas vote could shift the election lead toward Keiko Fujimori. Bolivia's military-deployment law is now active as blockades continue. The World Cup opens tomorrow at Estadio Azteca.