MEXICO CITY, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium will be reopened next March ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officials said on Wednesday.
The venue, which staged the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, will host the opener and four other matches in the next edition of football's showpiece tournament.
"We have the best conditions for Mexico City to be the most splendid of all the venues," mayor Clara Brugada told reporters, adding that the stadium's name would change to Estadio Ciudad de Mexico.
"In 1970 it was King Pele's World Cup and in 1986 it was Diego Maradona's consecration. The Azteca Stadium will be the stage for this great celebration, and Mexico will once again be the center of the world and the epicenter of passion. March 28 will mark the reopening."
The stadium has been closed since April last year for renovation work designed to meet FIFA standards. Planned improvements include new changing rooms, upgraded hospitality zones, VIP areas and new seating, according to officials.
The venue's new spectator capacity has not been disclosed.
The redevelopment coincides with a broader urban revitalization push in the Tlalpan neighborhood, with investments in new roads, cycling paths and public transport services.
"These are great projects for a great city, projects that will continue to benefit the population in all aspects, based on the comprehensive mobility plan combined with technology," Brugada said.
According to the stadium's general director Felix Aguirre, the revamp will prepare the historic arena "for the next 40 to 50 years" while preserving its original character.
"It will be completely renovated but its essence will be respected," Aguirre said, adding that more than 100 million U.S. dollars is being invested in the modernization.
The expanded 48-team World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The tournament will feature 104 matches - up from 64 previously - and will comprise an additional knockout round.
The final will be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, home of NFL teams New York Giants and New York Jets. ■