As the 2026 World Cup approaches, significant delays have emerged concerning the renovations of the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The stadium owner has indicated that it will not be fully completed by June, which is particularly concerning as it has been designated to host the opening match of the prestigious tournament shared among Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

The Azteca Stadium, now known as Estadio Banorte, has a storied history, having hosted 19 matches and two World Cup finals according to FIFA. However, the current renovation delays pose a risk to its status as a premier venue. With the construction work extending beyond the initial timeline, there are fears that spectators and teams might not experience the full capabilities of the venue during one of the most important events in international football.

This situation not only raises questions about the operation of the stadium but also highlights broader implications for Mexico's role in the World Cup. The potential for missing the inaugural match could tarnish the country's reputation as a host and affect tourism and logistical arrangements, thus emphasizing the urgency to resolve these construction issues in a timely manner before the world turns its focus to the tournament in 2026.