"The first feeling on seeing the Coloso de Santa Úrsula- the nickname given to the stadium where both Pelé and Maradona played legendary games-is that of being in a place suspended between past and future. The venue's seemingly immobile dinosaur skeleton exterior hides a vast work in progress as the whole stadium is being modernized for 2026 World Cup. On March 26, 2026, a friendly match between Mexico and Portugal will serve as a dress rehearsal for the June 11 inaugural ceremony."
"The icon of Mexican soccer is undergoing an unprecedented metamorphosis. Renovations to Azteca Stadium, essential to its status as a designated venue for five matches, are in their most critical and visible phase. The goal is to modernize the Colossus to meet the most demanding international standards, improving the spectator experience and the functionality of the facility while maintaining its historic soul."
Azteca Stadium sits about 15 kilometers from Mexico City's Zócalo and faces variable traffic that can turn an 18-minute drive into over an hour during peak periods. The stadium combines a historic exterior with an extensive modernization effort ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Renovations aim to meet demanding international standards, upgrade spectator experience and facility functionality, and preserve the venue's historic soul. Construction crews are actively rebuilding stands, drainage systems, and installing a state-of-the-art hybrid surface combining natural grass with advanced ventilation, drainage and air-injection systems. A March 26, 2026 friendly against Portugal will serve as a dress rehearsal for the tournament.
Read at WIRED
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