Azteca Stadium Box Owners Secure Access for 2026 World Cup

Luxury box owners at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City will retain their access during the upcoming 2026 World Cup without incurring additional fees. This announcement, made by stadium director Felix Aguirre on March 15, 2024, concludes an 18-month dispute regarding the rights of box owners at the iconic venue.

The resolution comes as a relief to box owners who cited a historic agreement established during the stadium’s construction over sixty years ago. This agreement granted them unlimited access to their luxury boxes for a duration of 99 years, which included the previous World Cups held in Mexico in 1970 and 1986.

Aguirre confirmed in an interview on Radio Formula that negotiations with FIFA have reached a successful conclusion. “We have completed negotiations and agreements with FIFA, and we are in the final stages that will put us in a position to announce today that the owners will be able to use and enjoy access during the World Cup,” he stated. The director expressed gratitude for the patience shown by all parties involved in the lengthy process.

During the 1960s, Mexican businessman Emilio Azcárraga Milmo sold the luxury boxes for 115,000 pesos, approximately $9,000 at the time, as part of the stadium’s financing. The original contracts stipulated that these box owners would have access to their seats during significant events, including World Cup matches.

Amid concerns about FIFA’s stringent regulations, which require control of stadiums 30 days before the first match and for seven days following the last match, box owners were anxious about their rights for the upcoming tournament. Azteca Stadium is set to host the opening match as well as four additional games, making it a critical venue for the event.

To accommodate the box owners and meet FIFA’s requirements, Aguirre revealed that Ollamani, the company managing the stadium, will cover the costs associated with the luxury boxes. However, the specific financial details of this arrangement were not disclosed.

Later on Friday, Aguirre mentioned that box owners would receive an official communication outlining access requirements for the World Cup. Efforts to reach Roberto Ruano, the secretary of the association of box owners, for further comment were unsuccessful.

The successful resolution of this dispute not only ensures that luxury box owners can enjoy their privileges during the World Cup but also highlights the significance of Azteca Stadium as a historic and iconic venue in the realm of international football.