How Is Estadio Azteca 100 Days Before the World Cup Kickoff?
With just 100 days to go before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the iconic Estadio Azteca remains under renovation and is not yet fully ready to host the opening ceremony and the tournament’s first match between Mexico and South Africa.
Mexico’s legendary football temple is in a race against time. A little over three months before the World Cup — co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada — kicks off, Estadio Azteca is still undergoing construction, with visible work both inside and outside the venue.
The historic stadium closed its doors in May 2024, and after nearly two years of renovations, the transformation is still incomplete. The goal is clear: be fully operational by June 11, when the opening ceremony will take place, followed by the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
Major Renovation Project Under Pressure
The renovation, estimated at nearly $150 million, aims to modernize one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. Among the most significant upgrades are the expansion of seating capacity from just over 83,000 to 90,000 spectators, installation of new seats, upgraded giant screens, relocation of the press area and locker rooms, and improvements in lighting, security, and connectivity.
However, recent images show that seat installation has not yet been completed. Red membrane structures have also begun to appear on the upper sections of the stadium, signaling a visible change to its traditional silhouette.
The stadium’s ownership recently acknowledged that progress has not matched initial expectations. Part of the delay is attributed to years of limited maintenance, which required additional structural work before modernization efforts could move forward.
A Key Test Before the Tournament
Before the World Cup begins, the stadium is scheduled to reopen for a friendly match featuring the Mexican national team against Portugal, a game that has attracted significant attention due to the possible presence of Cristiano Ronaldo. That fixture would mark the venue’s official reopening, although it is expected to close again afterward for final adjustments before being handed over to FIFA.
Once delivered, FIFA will oversee commercial operations, hospitality planning, and logistical coordination for the five matches scheduled at this venue, including group-stage games involving Mexico and knockout-round fixtures.
Time is running out. While additional renovation phases are planned even after the World Cup concludes, the immediate priority is ensuring that Estadio Azteca is fully functional for football’s biggest stage. The countdown has begun — and there is little room for error.
