Estadio Azteca opened on May 29, 1966, in the Coyoacán district of Mexico City, designed by architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Rafael Mijares Alcérreca. Perched at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level, it holds 87,523 spectators — the largest capacity of any stadium in Latin America and among the ten largest football stadiums on earth.
Few arenas carry as much historical weight. The Azteca has been the permanent home of Club América and the Mexico national team since its inauguration, and it hosted Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal and his solo ‘Goal of the Century’ at the 1986 World Cup. In 2026 it became the only venue in history to stage matches at three separate FIFA World Cups, sealing its place as the sport’s most storied cathedral.
Stats at a Glance
- Team(s): Club América, Mexico national team
- Location: Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico
- Opened: May 29, 1966
- Capacity: 87,523
- Altitude: 2,200 m (7,200 ft) above sea level
- World Cups Hosted: 1970, 1986, 2026
- Football Attendance Record: 119,853 — Mexico vs Brazil, July 7, 1968
A Stage for Sporting History
No stadium has witnessed more defining moments in world football. The 1970 semi-final between Italy and West Germany — dubbed the ‘Game of the Century’ — ended 4–3 after extra time in one of the sport’s most dramatic matches ever played. Sixteen years later, the same pitch hosted Argentina’s run to the 1986 World Cup title, highlighted by Diego Maradona’s two legendary goals against England in the quarter-finals: the controversial ‘Hand of God’ and the solo run that FIFA voters named the ‘Goal of the Century.’
The Azteca’s verified football attendance record stands at 119,853, set during a Mexico vs Brazil friendly on July 7, 1968. The stadium has also hosted enormous boxing crowds — 132,247 fans attended the 1993 bout between Julio César Chávez and Greg Haugen, one of the largest live audiences ever recorded for any sporting event.
The Azteca at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Following extensive renovations completed in 2025–2026 — including a new hybrid playing surface and upgraded LED and technology systems — Estadio Azteca hosted the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, locking in its singular status as the only stadium in history to stage matches at three World Cup tournaments.
Officially renamed Estadio Banorte in March 2025 under a sponsorship agreement, the venue continues to be universally known by its historic name. The thin air at altitude remains a genuine home-field advantage for Club América and El Tri, making the Azteca one of the most daunting away fixtures in international football.
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Estadio Azteca FAQs
What is the seating capacity of Estadio Azteca?
Estadio Azteca holds 87,523 spectators, making it the largest stadium in Latin America and one of the largest football stadiums in the world.
How many FIFA World Cups has Estadio Azteca hosted?
Three — the 1970 and 1986 tournaments, both of which included the final, and the 2026 tournament. No other stadium in history has hosted three World Cups.
What is the attendance record at Estadio Azteca?
The football record is 119,853, set on July 7, 1968, during a Mexico vs Brazil match. A 1993 boxing bout between Julio César Chávez and Greg Haugen drew an even larger crowd of 132,247.
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Photo: ProtoplasmaKid / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.