The 20th World Cup game at Estadio Azteca

By Brian Maurer

Mexico and Estadio Azteca made history and reached a milestone when El Tri and South Africa kicked off the 2026 World Cup opener earlier today.

Mexico became the first nation to host three World Cups (1970, 1986, and 2026). Mexico's 2-0 win this afternoon was also the 20th World Cup game in Estadio Azteca. Increasing a record that has stood for 40 years.

Here is a list of all 20 games hosted at the most famous Mexican soccer temple:

1970 World Cup

• Mexico vs Soviet Union 0-0 - Group Stage

• Belgium vs El Salvador 3-0 - Group Stage

• Soviet Union vs Belgium 4-1 - Group Stage

• Mexico vs El Salvador 4-0 - Group Stage

• Soviet Union vs El Salvador 2-0 - Group Stage

• Mexico vs Belgium 1-0 - Group Stage

• Soviet Union vs Uruguay 0-1 - Quarter-finals

• Italy vs West Germany 4-3 (a.e.t) - Semi-finals (famously known as the "Game of the Century")

• Uruguay vs West Germany 0-1 - Third-place match

• Brazil vs Italy 4-1 - Final

1986 World Cup

• Bulgaria vs Italy 1-1 - Group Stage

• Belgium vs Mexico 1-2 - Group Stage

• Mexico vs Paraguay 1-1 - Group Stage

• Iraq vs Mexico 0-1 - Group Stage

• Mexico vs Bulgaria 2-0 - Round of 16

• England vs Paraguay 3-0 - Round of 16

• Argentina vs England 2-1 - Quarter-finals (included Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal and "Goal of the Century")

• Argentina vs Belgium 2-0 - Semi-finals

• Argentina vs West Germany 3-2 - Final

2026 World Cup

• Mexico vs South Africa 2-0 - Group Stage

Two of the sport's greatest legends, Pelé and Maradona, have both lifted the World Cup Trophy after winning a World Cup Final in Estadio Azteca.

The historic stadium is set to host four more World Cup matches in 2026.