After visiting the Maracanã in Brazil during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, there was always one stadium that stayed on my bucket list – Estadio Azteca, known as Mexico City Stadium during the FIFA World Cup 2026. As a football fan, this is one of those places you simply have to visit at least once. It has hosted three FIFA World Cups, making it one of the most iconic stadiums in football history. This was where Pelé lifted the World Cup with Brazil in 1970, before Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to glory in 1986. Just thinking about the legends who once stood on this pitch made this visit feel special long before I even arrived.
There was another reason why I wanted to be here. This was the stadium where Maradona scored the famous “Hand of God” goal against England during the 1986 World Cup, before producing what many still call the “Goal of the Century” in the very same match. Having admired Diego Maradona for so many years, being able to stand inside the stadium where those unforgettable moments happened was something I will never forget. Football history suddenly felt much closer.
This time, my journey brought me here for my fourth FIFA World Cup. Out of all the matches I could have chosen, I decided to visit Mexico City Stadium to watch one of Asia’s representatives, Uzbekistan, take on Colombia. Of course I followed the action on the pitch, but I have to admit I was just as distracted by everything around me. Looking up at the massive stands, taking in the beautiful structure of the stadium, seeing the FIFA World Cup decorations everywhere, and watching thousands of Colombia fans dressed in bright yellow filling the seats… it was one of those moments where you simply stop and appreciate where you are. Sometimes the stadium itself becomes the main attraction.
What makes this place even more special is its incredible history. Apart from hosting two World Cup finals, it was also the stage for the unforgettable 1970 semi-final between Italy and West Germany, remembered as the “Game of the Century”. It has welcomed countless legendary players, historic goals and unforgettable nights, while also serving as the home of Mexican football for generations. Very few stadiums in the world can match the stories that have been written here.
Even today, the story continues. Mexico City Stadium remains one of the main venues for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Besides hosting group-stage matches, it will stage knockout football from the Round of 32 onwards, including the Round of 16, before once again welcoming the biggest match in world football – the FIFA World Cup Final. To think that another team will lift the World Cup trophy here makes this stadium’s history even more remarkable.
As someone who has spent years travelling around the world because of football, this visit meant much more than another stadium tour. It was about fulfilling a dream that started more than a decade ago after leaving the Maracanã. Standing quietly inside Mexico City Stadium, I realised this was another unforgettable chapter in my football journey. Another dream achieved. Another piece of football history experienced. And without a doubt, one of the most memorable stadium visits I have ever had.
This North America 2026 FIFA World Cup trip is made possible by SingaCup, Asia’s Premier International Youth Football Tournament.
