Fans are 'packing all their bags' for the first match of the 2026 World Cup at the iconic stadium

FANS joked that they are “already packing their bags” for the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

The bumper tournament will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico in two years.

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With a record number of 48 teams, no fewer than 16 locations in 16 cities are needed for the next World Cup.

And it starts on June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico.

The stadium, opened in 1966, has an extremely rich football history, especially in the field of the World Cup.

Mexico hosted both the 1970 and 1986 editions.

They were won by Brazil and Argentina respectively, with two GOATs Pele and Diego Maradona in the winning teams.

It was also the sight of Maradona's famous 'Hand of God' goal against England.

A dazzling 132,247 spectators packed into the Azteca to watch local hero Julio Cesar Chavez box against Greg Haugen in 1993 – the record attendance.

Today the site hosts Club America and Mexico national team matches and is home to 87,523 stadiums, making it one of the largest football stadiums in the world.

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And many fans reacted with unbridled excitement to the news of the 2026 World Cup – 858 days before the opening match.

One said: “I'm packing my bags. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity here.”

Another wrote: “I pray I can be there.”

A third added: “Ayee, can't wait to rock the World Cup atmosphere! Isn't it crazy how we're all already planning our sick leave for it?”

And one end user commented: “Fantastic stadium – brilliant choice to be honest.”

FIFA also announced that the 2026 World Cup final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York – with the third place play-off at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Oddly enough, Kim Kardashian was the one credited with confirming that SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles will host the US's first group match.

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