Mexico City’s Iconic Soccer Stadium Shone Brightest During FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup may end up being one of the most memorable in the tournament’s history, with Cape Verde’s inspiring Cinderella run, farewells from legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Luka Modrić, and the mustachioed Dr. Simi and a Mexico jersey-wearing duck named Merlin going viral on social media.

But one of the most celebrated stories this summer is the reintroduction of Mexico City’s iconic stadium to the soccer fans and the entire world. Estadio Banorte, widely known as Estadio Azteca, raced to finish a reported $200 million renovation just in time for the tournament.

After successfully hosting five matches, including England’s memorable 3-2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16, and a colorful opening ceremony, the stadium drew rave reviews from fans and broadcasters across the globe, making whatever stress and headaches from delays and challenges over the years worth enduring for venue owner Grupo Ollomani.

The beloved stadium is the first to host three FIFA World Cups, with the previous tournaments in Mexico featuring two of the greatest to ever play the game: Pelé in 1970 and Diego Maradona in 1986.

“To me, I have to say, it was probably the most impressive stadium I’ve probably ever been to,” Tom Allnutt, a soccer journalist for The Times, said in an Instagram post. “I don’t know if it’s just seeing through the lens of ’86 and ’70, but it just sort of had this retro feel about it, the [pastel-like] colors in the stands, the floating sombreros. The Azteca, obviously, I think is so connected to the World Cup, and I was thinking today there really is no other stadium I don’t think in the world that probably holds the kind of connection to the World Cup as the Azteca.”

It’s hallowed ground for soccer fans, and Allnutt was one of many who felt that history as they made their way into it, a testament to Populous’ renovation designs, which managed to preserve the soul of the venue that overwhelms anyone who grew up watching the World Cup.

“It’s all happened here. Some of the great World Cup events have taken place inside this stadium,” commentator John Murray said in a BBC video documenting the broadcaster’s first visit to the Mexican stadium.

“Wow,” Murray says as he walked to his booth to cover Mexico’s opening match against South Africa. “I’ll tell you what: That really honestly gives me the butterflies to see this. … Marvelous.”

Mexico City’s soccer cathedral increased capacity from 83,000 to 87,500 (it was less for the World Cup due to FIFA requirements) and refurbished seating and bathrooms. LED lights and new security cameras were installed, but the major addition was new VIP hospitality zones, adjusting to the current demands of the live entertainment industry.

Estadio Banorte proved it was ready for soccer matches, but it’s ready for more later this year. The NFL scheduled its first-ever international Sunday Night Football game in Mexico City, with the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Minnesota Vikings at the historic stadium in November.

But before that, it will showcase its upgrades to the live music industry with its first major booking since reopening: Elton John. The legendary artist will grace the massive Banorte Stadium stage Oct. 2 and 3 with two farewell concerts promoted by AEG Presents, Cárdenas Marketing Network (CMN) and Ensō Music, and more concert announcements are likely on the way now that the world has seen what the venue is capable of.

“Estadio Banorte and Elton John each represent an unmatched legacy in their own right,” CMN CEO Henry Cárdenas told Pollstar. “Helping bring one of the biggest artists of our time to one of Latin America’s most legendary venues is a privilege for CMN. As Elton John wraps up his highly anticipated farewell tour and Estadio Banorte enters an exciting new chapter, we’re proud to help bring this historic event to life alongside our partners and create an unforgettable experience for fans across the Republic of Mexico.”