Mexico Stadiums Ready for World Cup 2026: Azteca, Banorte & More

The Estadio Azteca is set to reopen on March 28th with a match between Mexico and Portugal, but the game will proceed without Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been ruled out due to a muscle injury in his right leg. The news, confirmed by Portugal’s coach Roberto Martínez, dashes hopes that Ronaldo would headline the stadium’s first event following extensive renovations ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The stadium, known as the “Coloso de Santa Úrsula,” has undergone significant remodeling, increasing its capacity to approximately 90,000 spectators. The renovations include updated seating, lighting, and audio systems, as well as the addition of the “Estadio Banorte” branding. The reopening was anticipated to be a major draw, with Ronaldo’s potential appearance already impacting ticket prices, according to reports.

Martínez, however, dismissed concerns that Ronaldo’s injury jeopardizes his participation in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Alongside Ronaldo, Rúben Dias and Nélson Semedo were also excluded from the Portuguese squad for the upcoming matches against Mexico and the United States due to fitness issues.

The Estadio Azteca, a historic venue that has hosted two previous World Cup finals, is preparing for its third World Cup tournament. The March 28th match marks the first time the public will experience the renovated facility. The stadium was closed for nearly two years to facilitate the upgrades.

The Portuguese squad now includes players such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Gonçalo Ramos, Rafael Leão, and João Neves. The team will face Mexico on March 28th and the United States on March 31st as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.