Concerns are growing about the safety of Mexico’s famous Azteca Stadium weeks before it hosts the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, amid reports of subsidence and cracks in parts of the stands.
According to what was published by “The Sun” newspaper, during a Mexican League match, fans spotted pieces of concrete falling from the stadium’s stands, including parts of the sections that had recently undergone restoration work in preparation for the World Cup.
Circulating video clips showed a fan carrying a piece of concrete that broke off from the runway, in a scene that raised concern about the readiness of the stadium, which is one of the most famous football stadiums in the world.
The Azteca Stadium is preparing to host five matches in the 2026 World Cup, including the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, in addition to the possibility of hosting a match in the round of 16 that could bring England together with one of the participating teams.
Concerns increase due to the geographical nature of Mexico City, which is one of the fastest declining cities in the world, as it was built over an ancient lake, while a large percentage of its population depends on groundwater, which leads to a gradual decline in the soil level.
The report also talked about the appearance of a hole in the ground near the stadium during recent development work, as a truck belonging to one of the companies sponsoring the World Cup got stuck inside the hole during an inspection visit by FIFA officials.
