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France 24
France 24
Sport
Benjamin DODMAN

World Cup opens with Mexico-South Africa rematch on pitch that shaped Pelé, Maradona legends

Pelé Maradona World Cup Mexico Azteca South Africa Hugo Broos Mexico City Johannesburg Azteca Stadium
Cover image: The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City hosts the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, June 11. © Eduardo Verdugo, AP

Mexico City’s storied Azteca Stadium has been the stage for some of the most iconic moments in World Cup history, from Pelé’s third title to Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal. The hallowed venue hosts the 2026 World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday, a throwback to the 2010 curtain-raiser in Johannesburg – and a rematch between coaches who faced off as players in the same stadium 40 years ago.

The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City becomes the first stadium to host a third World Cup opener on Thursday, further cementing its status as one of the most iconic grounds in footballing history after welcoming the 1970 and 1986 editions.

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