Azteca residents protest before the 2026 World Cup!

A year before Mexico hosts the World Cup for the third time, efforts to renovate the Azteca Stadium face significant challenges in preparation for the global tournament. This iconic stadium in the Santa Úrsula suburb is one of the most famous in the world, and its capacity is expected to increase to 90,000 spectators with upgrades that include changing rooms and hospitality areas in accordance with FIFA standards. However, the project has not been without controversy. The stadium's name change during the tournament to "Estadio Ciudad de Mexico" sparked angry reactions from fans, in addition to objections from permanent seat holders who refuse to lose their rights during the event. Local residents are also concerned about the lack of surrounding infrastructure, from poor lighting to constant traffic congestion. On the other hand, the host cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey face fewer challenges, as their stadiums are preparing with only minor upgrades to ensure their readiness. Meanwhile, Mexico, led by Javier Aguirre, is gearing up for a busy summer of matches, including the defense of its Gold Cup title and friendly matches. The team hopes to break the "fifth-game curse" and qualify for the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1986, cementing Mexico's position in the world of football, both organizationally and sportingly.