The Azteca, the football temple, extends its legend by hosting three World Cups

The Aztec Stadiumfootball temple in which they raised the world cup the brazilian Pelein 1970, and the Argentine Diego Armando Maradonain 1986, his legend increased this Thursday by being the only one in the world to host three World Cups.

Azteca’s third date in a World Cup will be in 2026 and more historical memories are sure to be harvested on the lawn, such as when the best goal of the 20th century was scored there and ‘the hand of God’notes with which Maradona sealed Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England and signed Albiceleste’s passage to the semi-finals.

With those goals, Maradona’s Argentina won the second World Cup in its history in Mexico’86, the only one won by ‘el Diego’, who is considered one of the best football players in history.

Before that, in Mexico’70s, Pelé became the first Azteca player to win three World Cups when he defeated Italy 4-1 in that edition’s final, establishing himself as one of the greatest football legends along with Maradona.

In the 1970 edition, the Azteca also hosted “the feast of the 20th century” in Italy’s 4-3 victory over Germany in the tournament’s semi-final, earning this nickname for five goals in extra time.

To increase its legacy in 2026, the Azteca will undergo a renovation by the Spanish company molcaworldwhich has carried out projects such as the Mestalla (Valencia)the SSanchez Pizjuan (Seville) or the design of areas of the Wanda Metropolitano (Atletico de Madrid).

The owners of the Azteca will have to convince the residents of the area to carry out the project, who oppose the conversion of the property and the surrounding area, in which the intention is to build a hotel and a shopping center, which it would complicate the car traffic.

The next challenge for the Mexican organizers of the 2026 World Cup is to have the Azteca host the opening game of a World Cup for the third time.

the stadium of Mexico City it is one of the 10 largest in the world with a capacity of more than 83,000 fans.

In addition to the World Cups, the Azteca has hosted major events such as competitions of the nfl, the Pope’s visit John Paul II and concerts of the most important music stars, such as the late Michael jackson

Source: El heraldo

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