See the stadium where the 2026 World Cup will open.

(Patria) - Authorities in Mexico's capital, Mexico City, announced that the opening of the renovated mythical Azteca stadium, which will be renamed Estadio Ciudad de Mexico, will take place in March next year.

This stadium, which hosted the finals of the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, will host the first match of the 2026 World Cup on June 11 next year, with Mexico co-hosting alongside the United States and Canada.

The stadium will be modernized with new changing rooms, improved VIP guest areas, and an increase in capacity, although the exact capacity is not yet known. Watch the first video to see what the stadium looks like today, in the midst of renovation.

Three out of a total of 16 stadiums will be in Latin America, with the central city of Guadalajara and the northern industrial center of Monterrey, along with the capital, sharing hosting duties in Mexico. The remaining 11 stadiums will be in the United States, and two in Canada.

The Mexican government and city authorities are cooperating to ensure the "experience is safe and seamless," said Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez at the presentation. "More than five million people are expected in Mexico City," she said, noting that the capital has about nine million inhabitants and lies at an altitude of over 2,200 meters.

The renovation caused controversy after the stadium was renamed after the bank that financed the works. FIFA has ordered that the stadium be called Stadium Mexico City due to branding rules.