The Azteca Makes History as the World Cup of All Records Begins

 June 11, 2026, Mexico City

The legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is writing another chapter in football history. Mexico faces South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a remake of the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg. In a historic first, the Azteca becomes the only stadium ever to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches, having previously welcomed the world in 1970 and 1986. Known as the stage of Pelé’s and Maradona’s greatest World Cup moments, the “Cathedral of Football” has been renovated for the tournament, with its capacity adjusted to approximately 85,000 seats to meet FIFA requirements.

 Not One, But Three Opening Ceremonies

For the first-ever World Cup hosted by three nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—FIFA is going bigger than ever:

1. Mexico City – Thursday, June 11: Opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca featuring Shakira and Burna Boy.

2. Toronto – Friday, June 12: Canada's official opening celebration.

3. Los Angeles – Friday, June 12: United States opening ceremony featuring Katy Perry.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the tournament as “the biggest event in the history of humanity.”

The numbers are unprecedented: 48 national teams | 104 matches  | 16 host cities  |3 host countries

 Mexico City Comes to a Standstill for Football

To ease congestion and ensure smooth transportation throughout the city, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced special measures for June 11:

1. Mandatory remote work for federal government employees.

2. Schools closed from kindergarten through university.

3. Private companies encouraged to adopt similar arrangements.

The goal is to prevent traffic chaos as more than 85,000 fans travel to the Santa Úrsula district for the historic opening match.

A New World Cup Anthem Protocol

FIFA is introducing a new pre-match ceremony inspired by North American sporting traditions. For the national anthems:

• All players and substitutes, up to 52 athletes, will gather around the center circle.

• Giant national flags will be displayed.

• FIFA banners, colorful smoke effects, and pyrotechnics will be introduced throughout the tournament.

Infantino describes the ceremony as “a moment of unity, pride, and emotion.”

 Mexico in Group A

Schedule

• June 11: Mexico vs. South Africa |  June 19: Mexico vs. South Korea (Guadalajara) | June 25: Mexico vs. Czech Republic

Head Coach

Javier Aguirre, 67, begins his third spell as manager of El Tri.

Recent Achievements

• 13 CONCACAF Gold Cup titles, including the 2025 championship. | 2025 CONCACAF Nations League champions.

Nickname

El Tricolor, representing the green, white, and red colors of the Mexican flag.

940 GOSPEL RADIO

June 11, 2026: The world's eyes are on the Azteca. Three countries. Forty-eight nations. One ball. One dream. "May the best team win, and may peace prevail throughout the tournament."

Psalm 133:1 — “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”