An iconic venue from the 1970 and 1986 World Cup Finals has officially had its name changed for this summer’s tournament.On Thursday, 14 May, FIFA formally received full control of Mexico City’s Estadio Banorte.FIFA received control of Mexico City’s iconic venue on May 14GettyThe venue, also previously known as Estadio Azteca, was changed to Banorte in order to help fund the final stages of remodelling for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.They received a loan of 2.1 billion pesos ($105million) from Banorte, a major bank in Mexico that will be repaid over the next 12 years.The deal between the bank and Ollamani, the owners of the stadium, allows Banorte to have naming rights, as well as other promotions such as advertisements, signage and products in the venue.The name change marked the second time in the venue’s 58-year existence that this has happened. It was briefly called the Estadio Guillermo Canedo in 1997, before being named the Azteca.With the handover done, the venue has now been officially renamed again to Mexico City Stadium, or ‘Estadio Ciudad de Mexico,’.This name change comes as FIFA prohibits corporate-sponsored names, a long standing policy with the aim to prevent sponsors not affiliated with the organization from receiving exposure.Banorte Stadium management announced the administrative transfer in a social media post.“Throughout the 2026 World CUp, the stadium will be known as ‘Estadio Ciudad de Mexico’ as mandated by FIFA,” the statement read.“The stadium’s operation and communications will be handled through FIFA and its official channels.”Due to FIFA’s sponsorship rules, the stadium will be known as ‘Estadio Ciudad de Mexico’, or Mexico City Stadium during the World CupGettyThe name was changed from the Azteca to Estadio Banorte to help fund the final stages of remodellingGettyThe administrative handover was actually delayed by two days, with the stadium receiving special permission from FIFA so Cruz Azul could host a Liga MX playoff match against Pumas UNAM.Banorte celebrated the stadium’s nearly two-year renovation project in a separate social media post, but FIFA got to work straight away.They draped a banner over the Banorte Stadium lettering above the turnstiles on both sides of the stadium.Internally, in addition to bringing seating capacity up to 87,500, the upgrades include new hybrid turf, a sound system with 250 speakers, LED video screens, upgraded locker rooms, VIP hospitality zones and 200 security cameras.This transformation comes just as the iconic venue turns 60 years old (inaugurated May 29, 1966). Diego Maradona produced one of the most controversial moments in soccer history inside Mexico’s Estadio AztecaGettyDid the Estadio Azteca host World Cup games in 1986With the upcoming event, it will officially become the first stadium in football history to host three different FIFA World Cups (1970, 1986, and 2026).In 1970, on the grounds at the Azteca, FIFA’s ‘Game of the Century’ took place – a semi-final during which Italy defeated West Germany, with five out of seven goals scored during extra time.That tournament saw Brazilian icon Pele win his third World Cup, which remains an unmatched individual record.In 1986, it became the pitch where Diego Maradona scored both the infamous ‘Hand of God’ and the ‘Goal of the Century’ against England.In 2026, the venue will welcome two-other group stage games, before hosting one Round of 32 and one Round of 16 game respectively.Stay up to date with all the latest World Cup Winner Odds, World Cup Top Goalscorer Odds, World Cup Group Winner Odds and all the best World Cup Betting Offers and Free Bets in our dedicated betting hub