Mexican fans won’t get to see Cristiano Ronaldo or score any goals at the reopening of the Azteca Stadium. The World Cup test is overshadowed by a tragic death.
The World Cup anticipation in the three host countries was dampened on Saturday: while the USA went down 5-2 to Belgium and Canada had to make up for a 2-0 draw against Iceland, Mexico’s World Cup test against Portugal did not get anyone off their seats. In a game with very few highlights, the two teams ended up drawing 0-0.
However, both Javier Aguirre and Roberto Martinez had major injury concerns to contend with. The Mexican fans, who had been looking forward to seeing Cristiano Ronaldo in particular, were disappointed in the run-up to the game. Due to a muscle injury in his thigh, the striker, who is under contract in Saudi Arabia, did not even make the international trip.
In the absence of CR7, Portugal’s offense disappointed, with PSG attacker Goncalo Ramos having the best chance, but he only hit the post in the 26th minute.
Fall from the second floor to the ground floor
It was supposed to be a day of celebration for Mexico: The World Cup endurance test against Portugal was finally used as an opportunity to reopen the legendary Azteca Stadium. However, the return was overshadowed by a death.
According to the local authorities, a drunken Mexican fan fell to his death. He had apparently wanted to jump over the outer parapet from the second to the second floor of the VIP. However, he fell to the first floor. All rescue attempts by the paramedics present were unsuccessful.
Five World Cup matches at the Azteca Stadium
The Azteca Stadium had been closed for almost two years in preparation for the World Cup. Renovation work began in May 2024 – and has now been completed two and a half months before the start of the tournament. The historic venue, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, will host a total of five matches during the 2026 World Cup. These include three preliminary round matches and two knockout matches.
At the start of the tournament, all eyes will be on the Azteca Stadium, as Mexico will play their opening match against South Africa there on June 11. This will be followed by the clash between Uzbekistan and Colombia (June 18) and the match between hosts Mexico and a European representative – Denmark and the Czech Republic will determine their opponents in the play-offs.
