logo
Mexico readies for historic third World Cup as Azteca Stadium tensions grow

Mexico readies for historic third World Cup as Azteca Stadium tensions grow

Reuters11-06-2025
MEXICO CITY, June 11 (Reuters) - With a year until Mexico makes history as the first three-time World Cup host, the dream of a spectacular showcase is colliding with the practical challenges of modernising the iconic Azteca Stadium for global soccer's premier event.
Beneath the imposing silhouette of Mexico's football cathedral - where Pele dazzled with Brazil in 1970 and Maradona's 'hand of God' propelled Argentina to glory in 1986 - construction crews tackle the formidable task of bringing one of the sport's most storied venues into the 21st century.
The stakes are magnified as the 'Santa Ursula colossus' will host the tournament's opening match, a global spectacle that will focus the world's attention on Mexico from day one.
Renovations will expand the stadium's capacity from 87,000 to 90,000, with upgrades centred on meeting FIFA standards through new changing rooms, enhanced hospitality zones, revamped VIP areas and additional seating in spaces previously occupied by boxes and lounges.
While government officials and football administrators envisioned the project as a symbol of national pride, the renovation process has eroded trust between developers, local residents and other stakeholders.
Stadium administrators announced in February that they had secured a 2.1 billion peso ($110.19 million) credit line from local financial group Banorte - along with a controversial new name: Estadio Banorte.
FIFA regulations mean the stadium will be referred to as "Estadio Ciudad de Mexico" during the World Cup, yet the rebranding has sparked a fierce backlash from some fans, who view it as sacrificing football heritage for commercial interests.
The backlash over the stadium's new name represents only one facet of the mounting tensions. Box and suite holders - some with relationships spanning decades - have threatened legal action after FIFA announced it would commandeer their seats during the tournament, overriding established contracts.
One member of the Mexican Association of Box Holders has already filed a legal challenge to defend access rights.
Beyond the stadium walls, frustration runs equally deep. Residents of Santa Ursula and surrounding neighbourhoods fear that promised infrastructure improvements like pedestrian bridges and transit lines will fail to address fundamental issues including inadequate lighting, water shortages and persistent traffic congestion.
"We're not the stadium's backyard," one local resident told Expansion Politica. "But we're always treated that way."
By contrast, Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico's other two host cities, face fewer obstacles.
Guadalajara's 48,000-seat stadium, opened in 2010, has already hosted major events including the 2011 Pan American Games, while Monterrey's 53,500-capacity venue, inaugurated in 2015, needs only minor upgrades - primarily new turf and a pitch ventilation system.
"We'll install a system to ventilate and oxygenate the pitch before replacing the grass," said Alejandro Hutt, Monterrey's Host City Manager. "That will be an important legacy from the World Cup and beyond."
As construction continues, Javier Aguirre's Mexico squad are building towards a crucial summer, with a Gold Cup title defence ahead and friendly matches against Turkey this week, followed by Japan and South Korea in September.
After failing to advance beyond the group stage at Qatar 2022 - their worst World Cup performance since 1978 - Mexican fans crave more than just a well organised tournament. They want to see Mexico break the 'fifth-game' curse and reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1986, the last time they were World Cup hosts.
For a football-mad nation, pride will come not merely from hosting - but from delivering on all fronts.
($1 = 19.0578 Mexican pesos)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

England vs Spain – Women's Euro 2025 final LIVE SCORE: Action on NOW as Spaniards LEAD after Caldentey header
England vs Spain – Women's Euro 2025 final LIVE SCORE: Action on NOW as Spaniards LEAD after Caldentey header

The Sun

time14 minutes ago

  • The Sun

England vs Spain – Women's Euro 2025 final LIVE SCORE: Action on NOW as Spaniards LEAD after Caldentey header

England's toughest test Sarina Wiegman and her side have already suffered heartbreak against this Spain side once before when they met in the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney. Wiegman will know she won't be able to rely on chaotic moments anymore if she wants to win back to back Euro's as Spain have been breezing past their opponents this tournament whereas the Lionesses have been counting their lucky stars with how they've progressed to the finals. When the two sides met in the World Cup Final, only one goal separated the two and that was because of a Olga Carmona strike in the 29th minute which carried the Spaniards all the way to victory. Will England get their revenge on Spain and make it consecutive Euro triumphs or will Spain get their hands on their first Euro title?

England going head-to-head with women's highest-paid footballer in Euro 2025 final
England going head-to-head with women's highest-paid footballer in Euro 2025 final

Daily Mirror

time14 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

England going head-to-head with women's highest-paid footballer in Euro 2025 final

England are taking on Spain in the Women's Euro final, with the current European champions and the best in the world facing off for the prestigious trophy England will have to contend with the highest-paid female footballer if they are to retain their Women's Euro trophy this year. The Lionesses are set to do battle with Spain in the final of the tournament, with a chance to create history as the first English side to defend a major international honour successfully. ‌ However, the Spaniards - who defeated England 1-0 to win the World Cup two years ago - stand in their way, and they have a pretty expensive weapon at their disposal. Aitana Bonmati is one of Spain's key players and is the sole reason the world champions are in the final in the first place. ‌ The Barcelona playmaker stunned Germany with a swerving strike in the 113th minute of the semi-final to send her country to their first-ever Euro final last week. ‌ The midfielder - who contracted viral meningitis before the tournament began - has been an extremely important star in the competition. Bonmati has scored and assisted once in five matches to help Spain to within 90 minutes of their ultimate goal. Bonmati is widely report to the highest-paid female footballer right now - and eveidently, for good reason. The Barcelona star is said to pocked a whopping £835,000 weekly wage, which is over a quarter of a million more than her nearest competition. Alexia Putellas, who also plays for Barcelona and Spain, earns the second-most with £584,000 - and England's biggest earner is fifth on the list, with Keira Walsh raking in £382,000 per annum. ‌ Bonmati is a highly decorated footballer, with six Primera Division league titles, three Champions Leagues, seven Copa de la Reina wins and five Supercopa de España triumphs. Individually, the 27-year-old has been named the Best FIFA Women's player on two occasions and has also won the Ballon d'Or Féminin twice, in 2023 and 2024. ‌ The midfielder is also a current world champion and Nations League holder with Spain and hopes to add to her international honours with a European Championship win. However, the Lionesses will be aiming to retain their Euros trophy and may have their own secret weapon. Both Lucy Bronze and the aforementioned Walsh played alongside Bonmati and a host of other Spanish players when they both starred for Barcelona, potentially giving them some insider information about their rivals' dangerwomen. Spain and England have both had to show mettle in the latter stages of the tournmanet, with Sarina Wiegman's team requiring a penalty shootout to get past Sweden in the quarter-final and an injury-time equaliser and extra-time winning penalty in their semi-final win over Italy. Meanwhile, Bonmati herself sent Spain to the final with a strike in extra-time against Germany last week, and may well be the hero once again for her country - although the Lionesses will hope that is not the case.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store