TThe countdown to the start of the 2026 World Cup is putting a strain on Mexico City’s organizing committee. Not only are some renovations of the Estadio Azteca pending and running out of time, but the rest of the capital’s improvement works and urban infrastructure works are also still pending. FIFA and international pressure are creating other problems for the potential three-time World Cup winner.
This Thursday, March 5, a sinkhole appeared in the street surrounding the Estadio Azteca (called Estadio Ciudad de México in the World Cup) at the Azteca Circuit, the road connecting Calzada de Tlalpan and Anilo Periferico, causing a soft drink delivery truck to fall, coinciding with an inspection visit by FIFA representatives and Mexican authorities from various sectors to the stadium itself, which is being prepared. For the opening event of the FIFA World Cup. To make matters worse, the soft drink company involved in the accident was the same brand as the World Cup sponsor.
Mexico renovates Estadio Banorte to host 2026 World Cup
Has anyone been injured in the Aztec Circuit sinkhole?
The hole was near Azteca Stadium. In the background of the scene, you can see a parking lot and the structures that separate it. On a recently paved road, a soda truck can be seen with one tire in a sinkhole. As a result, it was stuck, unable to continue until roadside help arrived and removed it from the sinkhole. It is worth remembering that the organizing committee must hand over the stadium to FIFA on May 11, one month before the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
Stadium that will host the opening and final games of the World Cup
There were no injuries or damage caused by the sinkhole, but it only caused a traffic jam in the area on a special day, as the Civil Protection Department announced on social network X that there was an inspection of the work at the sports venue. The government agency stressed that representatives and FIFA authorities carried out a validation tour that is part of the work and safety protocol agenda for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What work needs to be completed at Estadio Azteca in preparation for the 2026 World Cup?
In early March 2026, Estadio Azteca was in the final stages of renovation, with coach Emilio Azcarraga saying it was 75-85% complete in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The restart is scheduled for March 28th with a warm-up match against Portugal, but there is still some work left to complete the renovation of the Coloso de Santa Ursula. Below is a list of pending work to be completed before the stadium opens to the public.
Seating Completion: Completed the installation of new seating in the header and holding area, eliminated the previous colors in a neutral palette (red, white, grey) Façade: Column renovation, installation of panel and screen metal structure Access: Installation of new ticket office and modernization of the main entrance Changing Rooms and Technical Areas: Completed relocation of changing rooms to the center of the pitch with removal of seating areas LED lighting: Installation of advanced lighting in rows of seats Building Hospitality Area: Construction and completion of new press areas and boxes Immediate environment: Resurfacing and road maintenance of surrounding areas delayed
There are eight years until Mexico will be named co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, but repeated postponements at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City have caused doubt and uncertainty for FIFA. Renovations have taken so long that the stadium’s owners have created a poor image of their planning and efforts with less than 100 days to go until the June 11 World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa.
