There will always be a before and an after, but the reality is that 365 days separate the Estadio Azteca from having on its grass for the third time in history a World Cup opening, as will happen next year June 11, 2026.

For that reason, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in a message on social media, highlighted Mexico's historic contribution to the development of the World Cup and the specific importance of the Estadio Azteca, where the world of football was able to witness the feats of the incredible Pelé, the leader Franz Beckenbauer, and the colossal Diego Armando Maradona.

"It will be a source of pride to see the historic Estadio Azteca host a World Cup for the third time and host the opening match. We know that the passion for football in Mexico overflows with emotion, and we can't wait to see how this love for the jersey unites the entire world. In 365 days, 48 ??national teams will kick off a new tournament in 16 cities with the dream and hope of winning the World Cup."

For that reason, Infantino stated: "Time flies, and today we begin the countdown to the biggest FIFA World Cup in the history of the soccer. In exactly one year we will be celebrating the start of the 2026 World Cup from our three host countries: Mexico, Canada and the United States."

Mexico's Contribution to the World Cups

Although in terms of sporting achievements in the history of the World Cups, Mexico still lacks its true potential, for FIFA, its contribution in logistics and organization, the presence of our soccer has been invaluable for 56 years when the Azteca Stadium witnessed the exploits of the great Brazilian team led by the best player in history, Edson Arantes do Nacimiento Pelé.

But if that were not enough, sixteen years later, Mexico appeared again on the FIFA map to take over from Colombia and organize the 1986 World Cup,where once again the Colossus of Santa Úrsula witnessed another historic event with the coronation of the colossal Argentine Diego Armando Maradona at the head of the Albiceleste.

For that reason, FIFA president Infantino did not miss the moment of the start of the countdown to highlight Mexico's historic contribution in the World Cups, but above all of a venue like the Azteca Stadium, which has been considered a historic temple of World Cup football.

So at a distance of 31 million, 536 thousand seconds, 525 thousand 600 minutes, 8 thousand 760 hours, 365 days, 52 weeks, 12 months and precisely one year, a World Cup ball will be rolling for the third time in the Azteca Stadium.