OPENING MATCHEstadio Azteca: World Cup 2026 Guide
Official FIFA name: Mexico City Stadium
Venue Details
Capacity
83,000
Home Team
Club America & Cruz Azul (Liga MX)
Location
Mexico City, Mexico
Country
Mexico
World Cup Role
Opening Match Venue
Total Matches
5 matches
Nearest Airport
Mexico City International (MEX) — 8 miles
Matches at Estadio Azteca
| Date | Match | Round / Group | Kick-off (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 11 | Mexico vs South Africa | Group A — OPENING MATCH | 3:00pm ET |
| June 17 | Uzbekistan vs Colombia | Group K | 10:00pm ET |
| June 24 | Czechia vs Mexico | Group A | 9:00pm ET |
| June 30 | Round of 32 | Winner Group A vs 3rd Place | 9:00pm ET |
| July 5 | Quarter Final | — | 8:00pm ET |
Groups Playing at Estadio Azteca
About Estadio Azteca
Estadio Azteca is the most historic venue in World Cup history. This will be the third World Cup hosted here — 1970, 1986 and now 2026 — making it the only stadium to host three different World Cups. In 1970 Pele's Brazil won the trophy here. In 1986 Diego Maradona produced both the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century against England in the quarter final before Argentina lifted the trophy.
The 2026 tournament begins here on June 11 with Mexico vs South Africa. Walking into the Azteca is a football pilgrimage. The noise, the history, the weight of the place — there is nowhere else like it on earth.
How to Get to Estadio Azteca
Nearest Airport
Mexico City International (MEX) — 8 miles
Check official FIFA transport guides for shuttle buses, rail connections and park-and-ride options from the airport to Estadio Azteca. Arriving early is strongly recommended for group stage and knockout matches as road networks around major stadiums will be under significant pressure.
World Cup 2026 Tools
World Cup 2026 Bracket Predictor
Pick your winners from the Round of 32 to the Final. Who lifts the trophy at MetLife on July 19?
Make Your Prediction →Build Your World Cup XI
Pick your ultimate starting eleven from any of the 48 World Cup squads. 12 formations to choose from.
Build Your XI →Predict the Groups
Which teams make it out of each group? Make your predictions for all 12 groups.
Predict Now →Other World Cup 2026 Venues
FINALMetLife Stadium
East Rutherford, USA
Capacity: 82,500
Hosts both Brazil vs Morocco in the group stage and the World Cup Final on July 19.
View Stadium Guide →SEMI FINALAT&T Stadium
Arlington, USA
Capacity: 94,000
Largest World Cup venue at 94,000 capacity. Hosts USA vs Australia and Semi Final 1 on July 14.
View Stadium Guide →SEMI FINALMercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, USA
Capacity: 71,000
England open their World Cup against Croatia here. Hosts Semi Final 2 on July 15.
View Stadium Guide →QUARTER FINALSoFi Stadium
Inglewood, USA
Capacity: 70,240
Most expensive stadium ever built at $5.5 billion. Argentina open their World Cup here.
View Stadium Guide →Estadio Azteca World Cup 2026 — FAQ
What World Cup 2026 games are at Estadio Azteca?
June 11: Mexico vs South Africa (3:00pm ET) | June 17: Uzbekistan vs Colombia (10:00pm ET) | June 24: Czechia vs Mexico (9:00pm ET) | June 30: Round of 32 (9:00pm ET) | July 5: Quarter Final (8:00pm ET)
Where is Estadio Azteca located?
Estadio Azteca is located in Mexico City, Mexico, Mexico. The nearest airport is Mexico City International (MEX) — 8 miles.
What is the capacity of Estadio Azteca for World Cup 2026?
Estadio Azteca has a capacity of 83,000 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
How do I get to Estadio Azteca for the World Cup?
The nearest airport is Mexico City International (MEX) — 8 miles. Fans should use official FIFA transport options including shuttle buses and rail connections. Allow extra travel time on match days.
What is Estadio Azteca normally used for?
Estadio Azteca is the regular home of Club America & Cruz Azul (Liga MX).
You might also like
All 16 Venues
Complete guide to every World Cup 2026 stadium
World Cup 2026 Hub
Your complete guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Match Schedule
Full fixture list from June 11 to July 19
Bracket Predictor
Pick your winners all the way to the Final
Group A
Full fixtures, predictions and group standings
Group K
Full fixtures, predictions and group standings
Share