World Cup 2026: Estadio Azteca to host first 2026 World Cup game 40 years after the 'Hand of God'
Ava Arnold FIFA has decided that the iconic Estadio Azteca will raise the curtain on the 2026 World Cup to be held in Mexico, Canada and the United States. The tournament will host 48 teams, which is 16 more than usual, according to The Times.
The stadium has a capacity for more than 80,000 spectators, is unmistakable in the history of the World Cup, among several facts, highlights the Argentine legend Diego Maradona who scored his infamous and world famous goal called "The Hand of God" in the game held between Argentina and England in 1986.
Mexico's iconic Estadio Azteca
Maradona jumped in front of England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and used his hand to deflect the ball past him to send it into the net. Although it seemed obvious that Maradona had made a handball, the referees failed to spot it and the goal stood.
Speaking after the match, Maradona said his goal was scored by "the Hand of God" and the nickname has stuck ever since.
He gave Argentina a 1-0 lead and they won 2-1: Maradona's second goal was a sensational solo effort where he took the ball and drove it from his own half into the England goal, where he passed the ball around Shilton and scored.
Argentina won that tournament with Maradona as the star of the competition and, in 2026, they will arrive at the World Cup as defending champions.
But that does not necessarily mean they will play the first match. Since 2006, the host country is the one that starts the tournament instead of the trophy holder.
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That would mean Mexico would play the first game in 2026, but nothing would prevent FIFA from altering the rules to allow Argentina to play first.
It is not yet known where the World Cup final will be held but it is expected to be in the United States, either at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, near New York, or at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The date is already confirmed for July 19.
Mexico has three host cities for the tournament: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Canada has two venues: Toronto and Vancouver, while in the United States there are 11 venues: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle
