Say “Adiós!” to Estadio Azteca as We Know It
It’s not just the structure that’s getting a facelift. The iconic stadium immortalized in World Cup lore by Maradona’s “Hand of God” is undergoing renovations for World Cup 2026 — and has been renamed in the process.
There’s a new beat in Mexico City, and it’s not a mariachi—it’s the sound of drills, cranes, and construction crews transforming one of football’s most iconic cathedrals. Estadio Azteca, that legendary temple where Pelé danced with destiny in 1970 and Maradona carved out a legacy (and more than a little controversy) in 1986, is undergoing a monumental renovation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And folks, this isn't just a fresh coat of paint—it's a full-blown glow-up.
So start by marking your calendars for early November 2025, and get ready to dive into the past, present, and exciting future of the Estadio Azteca with us (or Estadio Banorte, as it’s currently known, but we’ll get into that). We’re tracking the transformation of this storied venue, from its contentious renaming to construction hiccups, all while keeping our eyes on one goal: that by the time we land in Mexico City for a return trip during Dia de Los Muertos festivities, the ‘Colossus of Santa Ursula’ will be game-day ready—and more epic than ever.
‘The Colossus’ Gets a Makeover
The Estadio Azteca first opened its doors in May 1966 and has since become one of the most hallowed grounds in world football. It hosted two World Cup finals (1970, 1986) and is about to make history by becoming the first stadium to host matches in three World Cups. Not just any matches, mind you—the opening match of the entire 2026 tournament on June 11, 2026, will be played here, with El Tri taking center stage.
But let’s be honest: by the time FIFA’s 2020 inspections rolled around, the old giant was starting to creak. To bring it in line with modern FIFA standards—and make it sparkle on the global stage—renovation plans were announced when the stadium was confirmed as a 2026 host. Delays, debates, and big-dollar deals have followed.
According to a March 14, 2024 ESPN report, Estadio Azteca was officially renamed Estadio Banorte after striking a massive financial deal with Mexican bank Banorte. The bank provided a 2.1 billion peso loan (about $105 million USD) to fund the final stages of renovation. This adds to the 1.5 billion pesos (roughly $75 million USD) already poured in by the stadium’s owners, Ollamani.
That brings the total price tag for this facelift to 3.6 billion pesos (roughly $180 million USD)—a hefty investment for a 2.0 version with big shoes (or should we say, cleats) to fill.
Enjoying a game at Azteca with our own makeovers (America v Tijuana, Nov 2023)
What’s Changing: A Stadium Reborn
While the name change has stirred plenty of emotion among Mexican fans (more on that in a bit), the structural and experiential upgrades do sound pretty exciting.
Per a FootballGroundGuide.com update from October 16, 2024, the Azteca’s capacity will rise to 90,000 seats. This involves the demolition of one of the lower stands, but it’s all part of a bigger plan to modernize without sacrificing the stadium’s soul.
Here’s what else is on the blueprint:
2,000 square meters of LED screens wrapped around the exterior.
Relocated dressing rooms for players.
A major expansion of press and hospitality areas.
Improved facilities for fans, including upgraded restaurants, bars, and commercial spaces.
The mission? To deliver a stadium that dazzles with some 21st-century features while preserving the echoes of legends past.
For Club América fans missing their beloved home ground, the wait might well be worth it (although they may or may not love playing at their derby rival’s, Cruz Azul’s, former stadium, Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes—honestly, it’s tough to keep up with the recent ‘tenant shuffling’ of Liga MX’s CDMX teams, lol). The crest may be temporarily down and matches relocated, but once the upgrades are complete, it should be the best home-field advantage for showdowns in Liga MX.
Speaking of showdowns…
The Luxury Box Showdown
What’s a good ‘rebirth’ story without a little drama?
One of the unexpected hurdles in this redevelopment saga involves the luxury box owners. Back in the 1960s, private investors helped fund the original construction by purchasing luxury boxes—along with a 99-year right to use them. Sooo… pretty much lifetime access… or so the investors thought.
According to an Associated Press report cited in October 2024, these owners—134 of them, to be exact—were blindsided when FIFA announced that it wanted full control of the boxes for the 30-day duration of the tournament.
Understandably, some weren’t thrilled. Roberto Ruano, one of the current owners, put it bluntly: “It would be like someone forcing me out of my own home.”
While some owners have agreed to sit this one out in exchange for future perks and upgraded seats, others are digging in, invoking their titles as legal proof of ownership. The resolution? Still TBD. But fingers crossed that this dispute doesn’t interfere with the Azteca’s legacy too much.
What's in a Name? Quite a Lot, Apparently.
If you’ve been thinking for a few paragraphs now that “Estadio Banorte” doesn’t quite roll off the tongue like “Estadio Azteca,” you’re not alone. The renaming, announced in March 2025, has sparked considerable backlash.
A whopping 84.6% of fans disapprove of the new name, according to a survey by Aristegui Noticias. For many, the original name carries historical weight, national pride, and a connection to unforgettable football moments. Banorte’s naming rights include signage, advertising, and even a shiny new website, but diehard supporters aren’t ready to let go of “Azteca.”
Thankfully, FIFA’s sponsorship rules come with a silver lining: during the World Cup itself, the venue will revert to its original moniker. So rest easy, purists—the ‘Colossus of Santa Ursula’ will officially be Estadio Azteca once again come World Cup 2026. After that, no sabemos.
If you’ve been dying to get to Azteca, keep reading to hear about our upcoming trip
Construction Status: Are We There Yet?
Good news: construction has been underway for a while now. Bad news: it didn’t start as smoothly as hoped. The stadium didn’t meet FIFA’s requirements as of April 2024, resulting in a six-month delay, per Football Ground Guide. But by late 2024, things were finally moving.
Grass was stripped, sections were demolished, and the Club América crest was carefully removed (don’t worry—it’ll be back). As of March 2025, renovations were in full swing, with completion projected for late 2025 or early 2026.
As the Footy Travelers eye a November 2025 trip to Mexico City, we’re hoping to hit that sweet spot of post-renovation, pre-World Cup frenzy. That way, we’ll get to experience the upgraded Azteca with all the bells and whistles—but with a little more breathing room in the stands. Maybe?
What’s Coming in 2026: A Five-Game Fiesta
Estadio Azteca is slated to host five matches during the 2026 World Cup, including:
The opening ceremony and Mexico’s first match on June 11, 2026.
Two additional group-stage matches, including Mexico’s final group match.
A Round of 32 and Round of 16 game, either of which could include massive matchups.
This marks a pivotal moment for Mexican football and for the city itself. As the Mexico News Daily reminded us in March 2025, Mexico could also host the 2031 Women’s World Cup with the U.S.—and showcasing an historic yet updated, world-class stadium could only help their place within that bid.
A Footy Traveler’s Dream
For Fellow Footy Travelers (yourself perhaps?!), the Azteca renovation should be considered more than just a cool construction story. The stadium is a beacon of footy culture and history—calling all of us to CDMX, to the energy of a reimagined stadium that still holds the ghosts of greatness in its steel and concrete.
Those who land in Mexico City in November 2025 with us, will be walking into a stadium that has stood the test of time—and hopefully emerges stronger, sleeker, and more electric than ever.
Picture this: the sun setting behind the Sierra Madres, fans streaming in under the LED glow, a cold michelada in one hand (maybe tacos al pastor in the other?), and the roar of 90,000 football-mad fans echoing through the air (assuming a sell-out). Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or just a sucker for a good footy travel vibe, Estadio Azteca 2.0 is surely going to be one.
So, What’s Next?
If you've ever dreamed of standing where Pelé stood, where Maradona made history, where the spirit of the game lives and breathes—this is your moment.
As we plan our Footy Travelers trip to Mexico City for November 2025, we hope you’ll join us. With renovations potentially wrapping up just in time, we could be among the first to see the new Azteca in all its glory (if not, there’s at least a couple other stadiums we’ll be hitting up). Before the world descends on Mexico in June 2026, we’ll have our own little World Cup preview party—with fewer crowds, better food, and probably more tequila and mezcal.
So pack your Footy Travelers scarf, jersey, or both. Register your interest. Set your flight alerts. And get ready to say ‘¡Hola!’ to a whole new chapter of football history.
“Salud!” and “Cheers!” to seeing you in CDMX in 2025
(Disclosure: We often ideate, draft, and/or refine content with the aid of artificial intelligence tools, and edit & revise it to reflect our own personalities & intended message.)