World Cup Opening Match in Jeopardy as Azteca Stadium Renovations Fall Behind Schedule
With just 115 days remaining until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, serious concerns are mounting over the readiness of Mexico City's legendary Azteca Stadium. The iconic venue, officially rebranded as Estadio Banorte, is slated to host the tournament's opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, but delayed renovation works have cast a shadow over these plans.
An official report submitted to the Mexico Stock Exchange by stadium owners Grupo Ollamani has revealed that the consortium faces "failure to meet deadlines for the remodelling works and unforeseen costs." This has raised the alarming possibility of FIFA disqualifying or relocating key matches from the venue.
England's Knockout Stage Path Could Be Disrupted
The implications extend far beyond the opening ceremony. England's national team could be directly affected if renovations do not accelerate. A likely route to the final for Gareth Southgate's side would include a last-16 tie against Mexico scheduled for July 5 at the Azteca. Any relocation of this fixture would force a significant logistical reshuffle for the Three Lions and their supporters.
Grupo Ollamani president Emilio Azcarraga stated in the report that the risk of match relocation is genuine. "The consortium believes a possible disqualification or relocation of key matches by FIFA is a genuine risk," he confirmed. Azcarraga remains hopeful the stadium will be ready for the World Cup, even if intermediate deadlines are missed.
Historic Venue Transformed Into Construction Site
The Azteca Stadium holds a revered place in football history, having hosted the World Cup final in both 1970 and 1986, the latter famously featuring Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal. Today, however, the 88,000-seater arena resembles a building site more than a world-class sporting venue.
Critical work is not proceeding according to plan, putting even a planned friendly between Mexico and Portugal on March 28 in serious doubt. This match was intended as a test event ahead of the World Cup, but its status is now uncertain.
Prioritisation of Essential Works Over Aesthetics
With time running short, stadium owners are prioritising essential renovations required to meet FIFA's strict criteria. This includes building new media facilities, demolishing sections of the stands to relocate locker rooms, and replacing seating. Less critical external works, such as the large parking lot which requires extensive clearing of debris, will likely be postponed until after the tournament concludes.
"There was an issue with the lighting of the columns that wasn't quite right, so that will be addressed later," Azcarraga explained, highlighting the complex, phased approach being taken. "It's also about maintaining a consistent maintenance system, which I think was lacking in the past."
FIFA's Impending Takeover and Broader Venue Concerns
Under the tournament plans, FIFA will assume control of the Azteca Stadium in early May. The global governing body holds ultimate authority to move matches if the venue is deemed unsuitable, a power it may be forced to exercise.
The Azteca is not the only 2026 World Cup venue facing challenges. Gillette Stadium near Boston, where England is scheduled to play Scotland in a group stage match, is embroiled in a licensing dispute between FIFA and local authorities over costs. While this issue is expected to be resolved in coming months, it adds to the broader logistical pressures surrounding the first World Cup co-hosted by three nations: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The coming weeks will be critical for construction teams at the Azteca as they race against the clock to deliver a safe, functional stadium for the world's biggest sporting event. The eyes of the football world, and particularly English fans, will be watching closely to see if this historic venue can be transformed in time.
