England's potential World Cup last-16 match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on July 5 could be moved due to significant delays in renovation works at the iconic venue, according to a report by the stadium's owners. The stadium, which is set to host the opening match of the tournament on June 11, is currently a building site with crucial work not going to plan.
Grupo Ollamani, the stadium's owners, warned in a report to the Mexico Stock Exchange that there is a genuine risk of “possible disqualification or relocation of key matches by FIFA” because of a “failure to meet deadlines for the remodelling works and unforeseen costs.” The planned friendly between Mexico and Portugal on March 28 is in serious doubt, and the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa is also under scrutiny.
Grupo Ollamani president Emilio Azcarraga expressed hope that the stadium will be ready for the World Cup, noting that the first phase of work, ending with a planned reopening on March 28, is crucial. He added that some work, such as the large parking lot and lighting issues, will be completed after the World Cup. FIFA is set to take over the stadium in early May and holds the power to move matches away from the venue.
The Azteca Stadium, rebranded as Estadio Banorte, has hosted World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986 and is known for Diego Maradona's Hand of God goal. Other World Cup venues, including Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, where England will play Scotland, have also faced issues, though those are expected to be resolved.
