As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws closer, attention turns to the iconic venues set to host the globe's biggest sporting event. Among them, the legendary Mexico City Stadium stands out, poised to write a new chapter in its storied history.
A Stadium Steeped in Football History
Located in the Mexican capital, this 83,000-capacity arena is one of the world's highest-altitude major stadiums. It is famously the only stadium to have hosted the men's FIFA World Cup final twice, in 1970 and 1986. In 2026, it is scheduled to achieve another unprecedented feat: becoming the first stadium ever to host matches in three different men's World Cup tournaments.
The stadium is the home ground for Liga MX giants Club América and Cruz Azul, as well as the Mexico national team, known as 'El Tri'. Beyond football, it has a rich history of hosting major events, including NFL regular-season games, blockbuster concerts, and large religious gatherings.
The 2026 World Cup Schedule in Mexico City
The venue will play a pivotal role in the 2026 tournament. It has been selected to host a total of five matches. Most significantly, it will stage Match 1, the opening game of the entire World Cup, on June 11, 2026.
Its schedule includes:
- Three matches in the Group Stage.
- One Round of 32 knockout match.
- A significant Round of 16 match on July 5, 2026.
A Global Stage Awaits
The selection of the Mexico City Stadium underscores FIFA's commitment to celebrating football's heritage while looking to the future. Its inclusion as a host venue outside the USA and Canada highlights the truly continental nature of the 2026 event. For fans travelling to Mexico or watching worldwide, the iconic images from this historic ground will be a central part of the World Cup narrative.
As the football world counts down to 2026, the eyes of history will once again be on this monumental arena, ready to create new memories for a new generation.
