Estadio Azteca to host opening game of the 2026 World Cup, 40 years after Hand of God

40 years after the once-in-a-lifetime “Hand of God” goal scored by Diego Maradona in Argentina’s game against England at the 1986 World Cup, the Estadio Azteca will host the opening fixture of the 2026 World Cup to be held in North America. 

Maradona not only scored with his hand in the game, with the goal not ruled out by the referees, but he also scored the goal of the century in the same match. The forward dribbled the ball from his own half before rounding the keeper to slot the ball into the back of the net and championing his side onto the World Cup. 

Estadio Azteca to hold the opening game of the 2026 World Cup 

The fixture list has not been confirmed by FIFA, since there is a long time to go till the tournament starts. They have not confirmed the stadium where the final will take place either, but have announced that the Estadio Azteca will host the opening game, seating 80,000 fans. 

Mexico will likely play the first match since the host country plays the opening game. But, they could feature Argentina in the opener to mark the historical event as well. 

The 2026 World Cup will be played in eleven USA cities – Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle. Canada will provide two host cities in Vancouver and Toronto while Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are host cities from Mexico.