Mexico’s iconic Estadio Azteca still not ready for FIFA World Cup despite $150 million investment

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Mexico’s historic Estadio Azteca is still under renovation with only 100 days left before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.

The famous venue is scheduled to host the opening ceremony and the tournament’s first match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11. Construction work continues as organisers push to have the stadium ready in time.

The situation comes despite a major financial commitment to upgrade one of football’s most recognisable arenas.

Renovation work continues despite $150 million investment

Estadio Azteca closed in May 2024 to begin a large-scale redevelopment aimed at preparing the stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nearly two years later, building work remains ongoing both inside and around the venue.

The renovation project is estimated to cost roughly $150 million and includes several structural and technological improvements.

Planned upgrades include increasing the stadium’s capacity from just over 83,000 seats to approximately 90,000.

The project also features new seating, upgraded giant screens, relocated press areas and locker rooms, along with improvements to lighting, security and connectivity.

Recent photographs from the site indicate that seat installation has not yet been completed. New red membrane structures have also appeared across the upper sections of the stadium.

Friendly match expected to test stadium readiness

The stadium’s ownership has acknowledged that renovation progress has not matched early projections. Officials said years of limited maintenance meant additional structural work was necessary before upgrades could begin.

Estadio Azteca is scheduled to reopen with a friendly match between Mexico and Portugal prior to the World Cup. The fixture has attracted attention due to the potential appearance of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The match would act as a test event before the stadium closes again for final adjustments ahead of the tournament.

After that stage, FIFA will oversee commercial operations and logistical planning for the five World Cup matches scheduled at the venue.

With the opening ceremony approaching, the iconic stadium remains under pressure to complete its transformation before football’s biggest tournament begins.