Roberto Ruano, a box owner at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, is refusing to give up his luxury box for the 2026 World Cup. The stadium was handed over to FIFA for the tournament co-hosted by Mexico and the United States, but Ruano expects the world soccer body to respect a deal dating back to the stadium’s construction six decades ago that gave box owners unlimited access to their seats for 99 years. He argues that they have already paid for the right to be there when they purchased the title and cannot be restricted.
FIFA wants full control of the World Cup stadiums 30 days before the first match and seven days after the last, but the unique history of how the boxes were purchased at Azteca makes things complicated. To finance the stadium’s construction in the 1960s, Mexican businessman Emilio Azcárraga Milmo sold boxes to private investors, giving the owners rights to use them for 99 years. This included access to soccer matches, concerts, and other events, including the 1970 and 1986 World Cups held in Mexico. There have been no previous issues with the box owners during major events.
Azteca boxes are highly sought after in Mexico City, with prices ranging from 15 million to 25 million pesos. Some owners rent them out for specific events. The stadium will host five games during the 2026 World Cup, including the opening match. Ruano, whose father bought the title for their box, is hopeful that the issue will be resolved after talks with stadium officials. Emilio Azcarraga Jean, the current owner of the stadium, says he expects an agreement soon, as it was important for his father to sell the boxes to complete the construction.
FIFA has stated that it is collaborating with all 16 host cities of the 2026 World Cup, including on plans for remodeling Azteca Stadium, which will be the first venue to host games in three World Cups. Specific details on fan access and other match information will be announced in due course. The details of the Azteca remodeling plans are unclear at this time, but some box owners have agreed to release their seats for the 2026 tournament in exchange for upgrades and other benefits. Ruano maintains that he has the right to be in his box and cannot be forced out, likening it to someone being forced out of their own home. Talks between the box owners and stadium officials are ongoing.
