A fresh dispute has erupted ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match in Mexico over the right to thousands of seats inside Estadio Azteca.
About 14,000 long-standing seat holders insist they are entitled to attend the game free of charge and have warned of legal action if they are denied entry.
The conflict centres on holders of boxes and grandstand seats at Estadio Azteca, who secured lifetime access rights under agreements signed during the stadium’s construction in the 1960s.
To help fund the project, about 600 boxes and 8,000 grandstand seats were sold before completion.
Buyers were guaranteed access to all events at the stadium for 99 years, a deal that remains valid until 2065.
The agreement covers all events hosted at the venue, including football matches, concerts and international tournaments.
The issue has resurfaced as the renovated stadium prepares to host the opening match of the 2026 World Cup between Mexico and South Africa.
Unlike the previous World Cup hosted in Mexico in 1986, when seat holders successfully retained access to their allocated places during the tournament, FIFA and stadium operators have faced renewed legal challenges over control of the seats.
The seat owners formed the Asociación Mexicana de Titulares de Palcos y Plateas and challenged plans that would have restricted their access during the tournament.
The association’s secretary-general, Roberto Ruano Ortega, said: “Our association took legal action against the plans of FIFA and the Azteca Stadium and won.
“Our box and stand seats will be respected. We will pay nothing.”
Reports in Mexican media claimed the stadium operator was forced to compensate FIFA after previously guaranteeing control of the disputed seats to the world football governing body.
The legal battle has continued in recent months.
According to the association, FIFA and stadium operators attempted to prevent seat holders from bringing their own food and drinks into the stadium during World Cup matches and also sought restrictions on the resale of seats.
Both measures were later overturned by Mexican courts.
Despite the rulings, concerns remain among the seat owners after electronic tickets were not delivered by a deadline they said had been agreed.
Ruano Ortega warned that further action could follow if access is denied on matchday.
He said: “If they deny us entry, we will file a complaint and ask the court for permission to use force.
“The situation could escalate.”
The dispute comes amid wider criticism of World Cup costs and ticket pricing ahead of the expanded tournament across North America.
Estadio Azteca is set to become the first stadium in history to host World Cup matches at three different tournaments and will stage five games during the 2026 edition, including the opening fixture and a round-of-16 match.
The association remains confident its members will ultimately be allowed to attend the opening match without additional charges, maintaining rights secured under agreements signed during the stadium’s construction more than 60 years ago.
