The Estadio Azteca Stadium in Mexico has hosted two World Cups. The 1970 and the 1986 FIFA World Cups were among the greatest in the tournament’s history. Some terrific teams and players have lit up the Azteca.
Outside the Estadio Azteca, there is a Game of the Century plaque. That game was the semifinal clash between West Germany and Italy. After going a goal up in the first half, the Italians led for much of the game. A last-minute West German equalizer ensured the game went to extra time.
An enthralling extra-time period followed. West Germany’s Gerd Müller put them in front for the first time in the match, but the Italians were back on level terms minutes later. Gigi Riva put them 3-2 up before Muller headed the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-3. A minute later, Italy played the ball into the box from the left, and with a low strike into the back of the net, the Italians went a goal ahead. The goal sealed a thrilling 4-3 victory for Italy.
The 1970 World Cup final was played at the Azteca Stadium. After their epic semifinal victory, Italy took on Brazil’s golden team. The Brazilians opened the scoring when Pelé headed home the first, but the Italians equalized before halftime.
Brazil tore the Italian defense to shreds with their incisive passing in the second half. Gerson restored their lead with little more than 20 minutes to play. As Italy wavered, Jairzinho extended the Brazilians’ lead. Brazil saved the best for last with a string of passes, culminating with an inch-perfect ball from Pelé across the Italian 18-yard box to set up the onrushing Carlos Alberto. A ferocious strike into the back of Italy’s net sealed a great 4-1 victory for Brazil.
In the 1986 World Cup, a rejuvenated England came up against Argentina in the quarter-finals at the Azteca Stadium. The first half of the game was goalless, but the Argentinians had most of the possession and territory. England’s goalkeeper, Peter Shilton, made a few saves to ensure the score remained level at the interval.
A historic second half followed. Shortly after the interval, Maradona and Shilton battled for the ball. Maradona handled the ball over Shilton in the infamous “Hand of God” play, putting the ball into the back of the net. As the referee upheld the goal, Argentina went one up.
Minutes later, Maradona scored one of the best-ever World Cup goals. He picked up the ball, dribbled past some of the English outfield players and Shilton, and slotted it into the back of the net. A Goal of the Century plaque was later added outside the Azteca Stadium.
After the goals, England pressed further forward. In the final 10 minutes, they scored one goal. The final score, however, read Argentina 2 , England 1.
The World Cup final was played at the Azteca Stadium for the second time. Argentina played West Germany in one of the more absorbing World Cup finals. In the first half, the Argentinians went in front after a free-kick was headed in from a cross into the box.
In the second half, Argentina doubled its lead. The West Germans were not quite defeated. Later in the half, they were given a corner kick that crossed into the Argentinians’ box. The ball was headed into the back of the net to make the score Argentina 2 , West Germany 1. The West Germans equalized from another corner-kick in the final 10 minutes. Minutes later, Maradona set up Jorge Burruchaga to score the winning goal. As the game ended 3-2, Argentina lifted the World Cup.
There were four engrossing World Cup games played at the Azteca Stadium. It is one of two grounds to have hosted a couple of World Cup finals. This great stadium will also be a venue for FIFA World Cup games again in the upcoming 2026 tournament, including the opening match.
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