Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca is set to host the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, but growing concerns are emerging after reports of ground instability and sinkhole activity near the stadium.
The 72,000-seat venue, which will host the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, has recently shown signs of structural stress. During a Mexican cup match this week, fans shared videos of loose concrete breaking apart inside the stadium, including in newly renovated sections.
The issue is believed to be linked to a nearby sinkhole discovered earlier this year. Construction crews have been digging up and rebuilding roads and pavements around the stadium after the unstable ground caused multiple disruptions, including a Coca-Cola truck getting stuck during FIFA inspections.
The problem is part of a much larger issue affecting Mexico City itself. The city was built on top of an ancient lake bed and is sinking faster than many other major cities in the world due to land subsidence. Buildings across the city are tilting, roads are warping, and underground infrastructure is being damaged.
Because of the growing concerns, NASA has reportedly been asked to help monitor the situation using satellite radar technology capable of detecting movement in the Earth’s surface from space.