Why Estadio Azteca lost its historic name and it’s called Mexico City Stadium during the World Cup

In Mexico City, everything is set for the inaugural game of World Cup 2026. Hosts Mexico will face South Africa at one of the tournament’s historic stadiums, the Azteca - the scene of many memorable World Cup moments.

It is the only venue to have hosted three World Cups: 1970, 1986, and this edition. It was also where two of the game’s most legendary figures: Pelé and Diego Maradona lifted the trophy.

Increased capacity, hybrid turf... and a new name

The iconic stadium closed to undergo extensive renovation work in May 2024, and reopened a year later as Estadio Banorte - after the Mexican banking and financial services holding company which provided 2.1 billion pesos (roughly $115 million USD) in financing, with the condition that the venue carry the Banorte name for the next 12 years.

Now able to seat 87,500 spectators (up from 83,000) the stadium reopened on March 28, 2026 to host a friendly between Mexico and Portugal. It held three games in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 liguilla - the last game, the 2-2 draw between Cruz Azul and Chivas on May 13. Since then, it has been gearing up for the World Cup.

Stadium names changed for World Cup 2026

Despite the commercial naming rights, FIFA will use a standardized naming system for all 2026 World Cup venues. That means Estadio Banorte will appear on official FIFA materials and tickets as “Mexico City Stadium.”

The stadium clarified the policy in a press release: “For the 2026 World Cup, all stadiums in the 16 host cities will be identified by the name of the city. Therefore, Estadio Banorte will appear in FIFA information and ticketing as ‘Mexico City Stadium.’ This guideline applies exclusively to the tournament and does not replace or modify the venue’s official name.”

One thing about the Azteca that hasn’t changed is the altitude. At 2,200 meters (7,218 feet) above sea level, thinner air with less oxygen favors the home side and punishes unprepared visitors.

Mexico City Stadium will host five games at this World Cup - three during the group stage, on in the Round of 32 and one in the Round of 16.

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