Estadio Azteca is one of the most legendary football stadiums on the planet. Located in the south of Mexico City, it is famed for hosting two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986) and for its electric atmosphere during major international matches. With its history, size and passionate crowds, security procedures are firm — and bag rules are enforced carefully on matchdays.
The Coyoacán area & matchday atmosphere
Estadio Azteca sits near the Coyoacán and Santa Úrsula districts, well away from the historic centre. These southern neighbourhoods feel more residential, but nearby areas such as Coyoacán Centro are well worth visiting earlier in the day, with colonial streets, cafés, markets and museums — including the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Many fans eat and explore elsewhere in the city before travelling south to the stadium. Once you approach the Azteca security perimeter, options become limited, and crowds build quickly along pedestrian routes and metro exits.
Book your luggage storage with Stasher before heading south if you’re planning to explore Mexico City earlier in the day.
Estadio Azteca bag policy
Estadio Azteca operates a small-bag-focused policy for major football matches and events. While exact restrictions can vary depending on the organiser, visitors should generally expect:
- Small backpacks, handbags and purses are usually permitted if they can be easily searched.
- Large backpacks, suitcases and travel bags are not allowed inside the stadium.
- All bags are subject to inspection at security checkpoints.
- There is no official luggage storage for large bags or suitcases at the stadium.
Security staff have final discretion, and oversized or difficult-to-search bags may result in refused entry.
World Cup 2026: what visiting fans should know
Estadio Azteca will once again make history during the FIFA World Cup 2026, becoming the first stadium ever to host matches at three different World Cups (1970, 1986 and 2026). It is scheduled to host five matches, including the opening match of the tournament, placing Mexico City firmly at the centre of global attention.
The 2026 World Cup introduces a 48-team format, expanding the tournament to 104 matches across Mexico, the United States and Canada. As one of only three Mexican host venues, Estadio Azteca will attract huge international crowds throughout June and July, with particularly intense demand on opening-match day.
Matchdays at the Azteca are expected to involve extended security perimeters, long entry queues and extremely busy public transport. The stadium sits at high altitude — over 2,200 metres above sea level — which can affect visitors not used to thinner air, especially during long walks and time spent queuing. Travelling light, staying hydrated and arriving early will make a noticeable difference to comfort.
Many fans will base themselves in neighbourhoods such as Roma, Condesa, Polanco or Centro Histórico, then travel south by metro or rideshare. Planning arrival and departure carefully is essential, as transport services will be heavily stretched after matches.
Getting to Estadio Azteca
Estadio Azteca is served by the Tren Ligero (light rail), which connects to the wider Mexico City metro system. On major matchdays, services are extremely busy, and walking routes from stations can take longer than expected due to crowds.
Travelling with luggage on matchday
Many World Cup visitors will attend matches on arrival or departure days, often coming directly from Mexico City International Airport or after checking out of accommodation earlier in the day. With no luggage storage at the stadium and strict bag limits, bringing suitcases or large backpacks to Estadio Azteca is not practical.
Book your luggage storage for Estadio Azteca now if you’re travelling with luggage or moving between hotels.
Storing bags before heading to the stadium
A common strategy is to store luggage elsewhere in Mexico City before travelling south. This allows you to enjoy neighbourhoods like Roma or Condesa, grab food and drinks, and arrive at the stadium with just a small personal bag.
Book your luggage storage for Estadio Azteca now and focus fully on the World Cup atmosphere rather than your bags.
Local tips for visiting fans
- Eat earlier in central neighbourhoods — food options near the stadium are limited on matchdays.
- Allow extra time for travel and security; opening-match day will be especially busy.
- Stay hydrated and pace yourself — altitude can affect energy levels.
- Plan your return journey in advance, as trains and roads will be extremely crowded after full-time.
Estadio Azteca enforces a strict bag policy and does not provide on-site luggage storage for large items. With five World Cup 2026 matches scheduled here — including the opening match — advance planning is essential. By storing luggage ahead of time, exploring Mexico City beforehand and travelling light, you’ll enjoy a smoother and unforgettable World Cup experience at one of football’s most iconic stadiums.
