World Cup stadium looks totally unrecognisable with cranes on pitch and seats ripped out
THE iconic Estadio Banorte looks unrecognisable as work on it's epic World Cup revamp continues.
Mexico 's national stadium - where Diego Maradona scored his Hand of God goal against England in 1986 - will host the opening game of the 2026 World Cup.
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The previously named the Estadio Azteca is undergoing changes in order to be fully modernised for next summer's tournament.
The venue for the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, the stadium will become the first to host three World Cups when it puts on the 2026 competition, which will be played across Mexico, the United States and Canada.
The stadium was renamed the Estadio Banorte as part of an £80million sponsorship deal in March.
Owner group Ollamani received an £80million loan from Banorte, a major Mexican bank that will be repaid over 12 years.
One of the development project's main goals is to maintain the historic identity of the ground, as capacity jumps from 81,000 to 90,000.
New pictures show the turf completely torn up , with several cranes and trucks working to relay the dirt and mend the stands.
The iconic exterior columns will be refurbished and enhanced with special lighting to highlight the architecture during night matches.
But the biggest changes are happening inside the walls, with the stands currently grey after almost every seat was ripped up.
The previous VIP area has been completely demolished and rebuilt, while new stands will tower over the old ones.
Birmingham give update on new £3billion stadium as they announce major development
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The changes will also see new locker rooms, referee zones, hospitality suites, a press room, and other facilities designed to meet Fifa's highest standards.
Strict Fifa sponsorship rules, however, dictates that the stadium will still be referred to as Estadio Azteca throughout next year's World Cup.
Closed since 2024 due to remodeling work, the Estadio Banorte is expected to finish construction later this year or in early 2026.
The name change will mark the second in the stadium's 58-year existence after briefly being called Estadio Guillermo Canedo in 1997.
It will be the biggest stadium used for the 2026 World Cup and is scheduled to host two of Mexico's three group matches, including the tournament's opening game on June 11 next year.
Despite the stadium's prestige, only five of the tournament's 104 matches will take place in Mexico City.
Mexican side Club America usually play their home games there.
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