World Cup opens with Mexico-South Africa rematch on pitch that shaped Pelé, Maradona legends
Summary
The 2026 World Cup opening match will be played at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium between Mexico and South Africa. This stadium, known for famous football moments involving Pelé and Maradona, has hosted two previous World Cup openers and has been recently updated.Key Facts
- The opening game of the 2026 World Cup is on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
- Azteca Stadium has previously hosted World Cup openers in 1970 and 1986.
- Pelé won his third World Cup title there in 1970, a record that still stands.
- Maradona scored two famous goals, including the “Hand of God” goal, at this stadium in 1986.
- The stadium was renovated and its capacity is now about 80,000 seats.
- Mexico has never won a World Cup opening match in their seven previous attempts.
- Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre was also a player at Azteca when Mexico last hosted the World Cup.
- South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos expects strong support for Mexico but says his team must focus on their game.
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