Estadio Azteca (Banorte) Stadium guide: Tickets, how to get there, where to stay, history & everything you need to know about World Cup 2026 venue

Estadio Azteca has a long history and a deep connection with the beautiful game. Since its opening in 1966, the stadium has undergone several renovations, the first taking place after the 1986 World Cup. It was later renovated in 1999, 2013, and 2016.

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the stadium is once again undergoing a major remodeling project and will stand as one of the premier attractions at the tournament. Although it is officially known as Estadio Banorte after Banorte Bank acquired its naming rights, it will mostly be referred to by its original name, Estadio Azteca, during the FIFA World Cup due to sponsorship rules.

The stadium is already massive, with a seating capacity of more than 87,000. Once the remodeling is completed, Estadio Banorte is expected to reopen with a capacity close to 90,000 for the World Cup.

How to get to Estadio Banorte by public transport 

Estadio Banorte is easily accessible by public transport. The most recommended option by locals is to take the Metro and the Light Rail. Metro Line 2 (Blue Line) takes you to Tasquena station, where you can transfer to the Xochimilco Light Rail. This line has a stop named Estadio Azteca, located right in front of the stadium.

There are also bus routes that connect the Tasquena area with the surroundings of the stadium, although the exact routes depend on where you are traveling from.

How to get to Estadio Banorte by car 

Key roads that lead to Estadio Banorte include Calzada de Tlalpan, Acoxpa, Periferico, and Circuito Azteca. Parking is available at the stadium, but it is highly recommended to use public transit due to heavy traffic and the difficulty of exiting on event days.

Tickets for football matches at Estadio Banorte are available through online ticketing partners such as Ticketmaster, as well as at the stadium box office and official club outlets. Tickets for concerts and other events can also be purchased on Ticketmaster or collected at designated will call counters.

As for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tickets will be available on FIFA’s official portal. A pre-sale for eligible cardholders will run from September 10 to 19, while general ticket sales are set to begin in October.

Although no stadium tours are currently available due to ongoing renovations, Estadio Banorte usually offers year-round visits for fans through the Azteca Tour.

This experience allows visitors to step onto the playing field, explore the locker rooms, walk through the press box and the marathon tunnel, and see unique commemorative plaques and badges.

On event days or matchdays, the tour closes six hours before kickoff.

There are plenty of food options around Estadio Banorte. Inside the stadium, concession stands and vendors offer snacks and drinks. In the surrounding neighborhoods of Coapa and San Lorenzo Huipulco, visitors will find restaurants, taco stands, and local eateries serving traditional Mexican cuisine.

After events, many fans prefer small nearby restaurants or taco joints. While not upscale, these spots serve authentic Mexican street food.

For those looking for a sit-down meal, Restaurante Parque Asturias, Cachito de Cuba, and Lucrecia Coyoacan are excellent choices, especially for groups.

Estadio Banorte will host a total of five matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This includes three group stage games, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 clash.