World Cup opens with Mexico-South Africa rematch on pitch that shaped Pelé, Maradona legends

Summary

Mexico City’s storied Azteca Stadium has been the stage for some of the most iconic moments in World Cup history, from Pelé’s third title to Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal. The hallowed venue hosts the 2026 World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday, a throwback to the 2010 curtain-raiser in Johannesburg – and a rematch between coaches who faced off as players in the same stadium 40 years ago.