FIFA has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will begin with an opening match at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, making it the first stadium to host matches in three separate FIFA World Cups (1970, 1986, and 2026). The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams for the first time.
The Azteca Stadium, with a capacity of approximately 87,000, is one of the most historic venues in football. It was the site of Pelรฉ's final World Cup match in 1970 and Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal in 1986. Renovations are underway to modernize the facility while preserving its iconic status.
The opening match is scheduled for June 11, 2026, according to FIFA's official tournament schedule. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026. The tournament will be the first to feature 104 matches across 16 host cities.
