The 2026 World Cup begins in Mexico City on Thursday.
Never before have soccer fans been treated to a World Cup tournament on this scale, with Mexico joining forces alongside the United States and Canada to host it.
For the first time in its 96-year history, 48 teams will be competing for the ultimate prize in the sport.
Not since 1986 has the World Cup been played on Mexican soil, so Thursday’s return to the Estadio Azteca is significant.
The 72,076 -seater stadium in Mexico City has played host to two World Cup finals before (1970, 1986) and boasts the honour of kicking off this year’s tournament.
The eagle-eyed among supporters, however, will notice it has changed names to the ‘Mexico City Stadium’ or ‘Estadio Ciudad de Mexico’.
FIFA do not allow stadiums to use their sponsorship names
In 2025, the stadium was renamed to Estadio Banorte for sponsorship reasons to help fund renovations ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Banorte are a major Mexican bank, and they provided a significant loan – reportedly worth $105 million – to help with the costs.
FIFA, soccer’s governing body, do not allow stadiums to use their sponsorship names when the World Cup takes place.
As such, it will be known as the Mexico City Stadium during the World Cup.
Mexico play South Africa there in the first game of the tournament (June 11) before Uzbekistan play Colombia on June 17.
The joint-hosts are back in the capital on June 24 to play Czechia, while one round of 32 fixture (June 30) and one round of 16 game (July 5) will be played there later in the tournament.
Read more:
Why the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony won’t be held in the US
FIFA gives clarity on water bottle rule at World Cup stadiums and fans are furious
Why Kylian Mbappe has never watched back the 2022 World Cup final
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
