From Pele’s 1970 parade to Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’; How Estadio Azteca became the most iconic World Cup stadium of all time

Azteca Stadium (AP Photo) There are stadiums. There are iconic stadiums. And then there’s the Estadio Azteca.When Mexico kicks off the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa on Thursday, this magnificent behemoth in the heart of Mexico City will do what no other football stadium in the world has done – host the opening match of the World Cup for the third time in history. In the two biggest editions of the World Cup in 1970 and 1986 before and now in 2026.Construction of this iconic venue, often called the “Colossus of Santa Ursula”, began in 1961 and was completed five years later, with more than 107,000 fans gathered for the opening match between Club America and Torino, Italy. What followed in the next six decades was nothing short of extraordinary.

Pelé and Gold Final of 1970

At the 1970 World Cup, when Mexico became the first country outside of Europe and South America to host the tournament, the Azteca stood as an exhibition stadium. It hosted 10 matches, including one of the best matches of all time – Italy beat West Germany 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final. Brazil then crushed Italy 4-1 in the final as a young Pele performed on the Jules Rimet Trophy. “There is something very special about Azteca,” the Brazilian legend declared. “You have to be inside it, feel it to understand.

Maradona’s divine madness

Sixteen years later, the world returned. And it gave us Maradona.In the 1986 quarter-final against England, Argentina’s Diego Maradona produced arguably two of the most iconic moments in football history when he first slotted the ball into the net with his left-footer in what became forever known as the “Hand of God”, then completed a crazy solo run past several defenders to score the ‘Goal of the Century’. Argentina beat West Germany 3-2 in the final to lift the World Cup in Mexico City. Maradona himself never forgot it. “This stadium is the cathedral of my football life,” he said during a visit in 2000.Now, after nearly two years of renovations that included new seating, upgraded changing rooms, improved lighting and a rebuilt footbridge, the grand old lady is ready again. The historic venue will host five matches during the 2026 World Cup, including the opening ceremony.Pele called it one of a kind. Maradona called it the cathedral of his life. A new generation of players and fans are about to find out exactly what they meant.