England enter the Azteca - where football kings are crowned
BBC Sport explores the history and cultural power of the Azteca, one of the great cathedrals of world football, as England prepare to face Mexico there in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"There is just something very special about Azteca."
— Pele , Athlete
"While I had a great passion for architecture, I had an even bigger passion for football."
— Pedro Ramirez Vazquez , Academic
"It is next to impossible to communicate on the pitch because the Azteca is full of sound swirling all around you."
— Jason de Vos , Athlete
Key People
Jason de Vos is a retired Canadian footballer who played professionally and later became a coach.
Diego Maradona was an iconic Argentine football player known for his extraordinary skill and controversial life.
Pedro Ramirez Vazquez was a renowned Mexican architect known for designing major sports venues.
Pele is a legendary Brazilian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Locations
All Coverage
BBC Sport explores the history and cultural power of the Azteca, one of the great cathedrals of world football, as England prepare to face Mexico there in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
9.1m watch England's epic win over Mexico
A peak audience of 9.1 million tuned in overnight to watch England beat Mexico to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
July 7, 2026 at 11:50 AMArgentina set up England semi-final with extra-time victory over Switzerland
Argentina set up a World Cup semi-final with England after scoring twice in extra-time to beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas City.
July 12, 2026 at 04:35 AMAll the goals from England's 2026 World Cup campaign so far
As England gear up to face Norway at the Miami Stadium for the World Cup quarter-finals, re-live all the goals that got Thomas Tuchel's side there.
July 11, 2026 at 05:13 AMHow De la Fuente's Spain are closing in on greatness
Before Spain's World Cup quarter-final against Belgium, Guillem Balague talks to Spain boss Luis de la Fuente about their identity and Lamine Yamal.
July 10, 2026 at 06:47 AMUnusual or predictable? How Europe is dominating the World Cup
Six of the eight quarter-finalists at the World Cup in North America are from Europe, so why are they doing so well and what does history tell us about the chances of one of them winning it all?
July 8, 2026 at 05:02 AMBig stars and old rivals - what to expect in semi-finals
France face Spain and England take on Argentina in heavyweight World Cup semi-final meetings - here's what to expect from the last four.
July 12, 2026 at 12:29 PM