Mexico's Azteca Stadium Unveils Renovated Facilities Ahead 2026 World Cup

Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium is undergoing extensive renovations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, aiming to modernize the venue while increasing its capacity to around 90,000 seats. Upgrades include a hybrid playing field with improved ventilation, revamped locker rooms centrally located with a new players' tunnel, larger LED screens, enhanced hospitality zones, and improved facilities for players, fans, and media. The stadium, which will host five matches including the tournament opener, has been renamed Estadio Banorte following a sponsorship deal, a move that has sparked backlash from fans who view it as a loss of heritage, and legal threats from box and suite holders over contract disputes. Local communities have also expressed frustration over unmet infrastructure promises related to the renovation. Despite these tensions, stadium officials emphasize that the renovations are focused on enhancing the visitor experience and meeting FIFA requirements, balancing modernization with respect for the stadium's historic significance. The project reflects Mexico's pride as the first nation to host the World Cup for a third time, spotlighting Azteca Stadium as a central symbol of this historic event.