the legacy of Pelé and Maradona that makes the mythical Azteca unique and its four most iconic moments

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June 10, 2026June 10, 2026By Mario Vásquez
the legacy of Pelé and Maradona that makes the mythical Azteca unique and its four most iconic moments

The 2026 World Cup is already underway. Everything is ready for the start of the World Cup, which will be held in North America and will mark a milestone in the history of football.

It will be the 23rd edition and the first with 48 teams, distributed into 12 groups. In addition, it will debut a format in which the champion could play up to eight games.

The inauguration will be held at the Azteca Stadium, known as the “Colossus of Santa Úrsula”. This venue will become the first to host three opening matches of a World Cup: Mexico 1970, Mexico 1986 and 2026.

The Azteca and its legacy: Inaugurated in 1966, the Azteca has six decades of history and has hosted 19 World Cup matches. Some of the main figures of this sport played on its court.

The stadium was the scene of the consecrations of Pelé and Diego Armando Maradona, who won world titles with Brazil and Argentina, respectively.

Mexico 1970: Pelé’s third title

Brazil became champion of the 1970 World Cup after beating Italy 4-1 in the final at the Azteca. The Brazilian team, made up of figures such as Pelé, Carlos Alberto, Gérson and Rivelino, won its third world title. Pelé achieved a mark that remains in force: he is the only footballer to have won three World Cups.

“The Match of the Century”

The Azteca also hosted the semifinal between Italy and West Germany in 1970, a match remembered as “The Match of the Century.” After drawing 1-1 in regulation time, both teams played in extra time in which five goals were scored. Germany took the lead, Italy came back, the Germans equalized again and Gianni Rivera scored the final 4-3 in the 111th minute. The match is considered one of the most outstanding in the history of the World Cup.

Mexico 1986: Maradona leaves his mark

Diego Armando Maradona starred in one of the most memorable episodes of the World Cup during the quarterfinals against England.

In that match he scored two historic goals:

  • The “Hand of God”, an action that generated international controversy.
  • The “Goal of the Century”, after traveling more than 60 meters and beating several rivals.

Argentina advanced to win the world title.

The 1986 final

The Mexico 1986 final was the last World Cup match played at the Azteca to date. Argentina defeated West Germany 3-2. José Luis Brown and Jorge Valdano put the Albiceleste ahead, but the Germans tied. When it seemed that the match would go into overtime, Jorge Burruchaga scored the goal that secured the second world title for Argentina. Maradona lifted the trophy and completed one of the most memorable performances in World Cup history.

2026: a new page in history

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Azteca Stadium will once again host an opening match of the World Cup, with the participation of Mexico. With this, the “Coloso de Santa Úrsula” will expand a unique record in the history of the World Cups, by becoming the first stadium to host three openings of a World Cup.

Pelé and Maradona, united by Azteca

Pelé and Maradona achieved the greatest glory of football in this stadium. Pelé won his third world title in 1970. Maradona led Argentina to the championship in 1986. Both left a mark that is part of the history of the Azteca Stadium.

The 2026 World Cup is coming. As happened in 1970 and 1986, the starting point will be the Azteca Stadium, one of the most recognized venues in world soccer.

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