The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, which is set to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is reportedly sinking by up to 10 inches per year, according to findings published by the United States space agency NASA. The revelation has emerged only weeks before the tournament begins, prompting concern among football officials and supporters regarding the stability of one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
The opening match of the tournament is scheduled for 11 June, when Mexico will face South Africa at the stadium. The venue, which holds a prominent place in football history, is widely recognised for Diego Maradona’s famous “Hand of God” goal during the 1986 World Cup. It is one of the selected grounds for the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
NASA reports that the subsidence is not limited to the stadium alone but forms part of a broader geological issue affecting Mexico City. The agency states that much of the city is also gradually sinking at an average rate of approximately half an inch per month. The observations were made using advanced radar systems deployed in space to monitor ground deformation.
The underlying cause identified by NASA is the extraction of water from underground aquifers beneath the city. This continuous removal of groundwater has led to the compression of the soil, resulting in gradual subsidence across large parts of the urban area, including the stadium structure itself.
According to Marin Govorcin, a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the removal of water from underground reservoirs causes the surface layers of the city to compact under their own weight. This process, he explained, is responsible for the ongoing sinking observed in both the stadium and surrounding areas.
The Azteca Stadium, with a seating capacity of approximately 87,500 spectators, is scheduled to host five matches during the World Cup. Despite its historical significance and continued use as a major sporting venue, it now faces geological challenges that may affect its long-term structural stability.
At present, it remains unclear whether any significant mitigation measures will be introduced by the relevant authorities to reduce groundwater extraction or slow the rate of subsidence affecting the stadium and wider city.
Key Details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Azteca Stadium |
| Location | Mexico City |
| Seating Capacity | 87,500 |
| Subsidence Rate (Stadium) | Up to 10 inches per year |
| City Subsidence Rate | Approximately 0.5 inch per month |
| Opening Match | Mexico vs South Africa |
| Date of Opening Match | 11 June |
| World Cup Hosts | United States, Mexico, Canada |
| Matches at Stadium | 5 |
| Identified Cause | Groundwater extraction from aquifers |
| Monitoring Method | Satellite radar observation by NASA |
