Mexico’s historic Azteca Stadium to kickoff World Cup opener: All to know

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“There’s just something very special about the Azteca,” said Pele. “You need to be inside it, to feel it to understand. It’s unique.”

The Brazilian legend enjoyed one of the finest moments of his career in Estadio Azteca, as he lifted his third World Cup in the towering stadium in Mexico’s sprawling capital.

This year, a new generation of players will realise just how special the stadium is, as it becomes the first arena to host World Cup matches in three separate tournaments.

From Brazil’s remarkable World Cup victory in 1970, to Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in 1986, this arena has provided the backdrop to some of the biggest moments in football history.

Now, after nearly two years of renovations, the 83,000-seat stadium is ready for kickoff in the largest World Cup in history .

Here’s all you need to know about Mexico City’s legendary stadium.

Construction on the “Colossus of Santa Ursula” began in 1961 and was completed five years later, with more than 107,000 fans attending the inaugural match between Mexico’s Club America and Italy’s Torino.