The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City is preparing for its final handover to FIFA, despite its formal inauguration having already taken place. Interior work continues at an accelerated pace to complete the stands before the final preparations for the 2026 World Cup begin. Red and white seats with the 'Banorte' sponsor logo are currently being removed. The stadium must be delivered to FIFA by May 11 without any announcement. This renovation process is historic for the 'Colossus of Santa Úrsula,' which will mark 60 years since its original opening in 1966 this May. The international governing body of football strictly prohibits stadiums from displaying commercial images or logos from sponsors not affiliated with the tournament organization. The Mexico City Stadium, known worldwide as the Azteca, has once again become the scene of intense construction work just five days after its much-anticipated reopening to the public. The stadium seeks to reinforce its prestige as one of the most legendary pitches in football, having been the stage where figures like Pelé and Maradona were crowned world champions. Now, with an eye on June 11, 2026, the stadium is set to write a new chapter when the Mexican national team kicks off the tournament against South Africa. After being closed for 22 months for a comprehensive remodel, the venue reopened its doors last Saturday, March 28, for a friendly match between the Mexican and Portuguese national teams. Consequently, the white and red seats that formed the 'Banorte' sponsor's name are being removed to comply with the required commercial neutrality protocol for the World Cup. The urgency of these works is evident, as the venue's owner, Grupo Olmeca, is obligated to hand over the completed facilities to FIFA in May. Meanwhile, the 'last-minute' work demonstrates the complexity of adapting a historic monument to the most rigorous standards of modern sport. However, activity has not ceased in the stands; recent images leaked on social media show construction workers dismantling the seats that had just been used by fans during the match. This measure, which has surprised many, is a response to FIFA's strict demands for World Cup host venues.
