Mexico evokes the glories of the 1986 World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup will conclude with a final held at a stadium belonging to the American football league (NFL) in New Jersey; however, the tournament will kick off from a football temple that witnessed the greatest moments of glory for two players widely considered the best in the history of the game.

Brazilian Pelé and Argentine Diego Maradona lifted the World Cup on the grounds of the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a stadium that has undergone a comprehensive renovation in preparation for hosting the tournament's opening match on June 11, when Mexico faces South Africa.

Mexico will host only 13 matches out of 104 in this year's tournament; however, despite playing a secondary role alongside Canada and the United States, it will become the first country to host matches in three different editions of the World Cup.

The previous two editions held on Mexican soil are among the best in the tournament's history, particularly the 1970 edition, which was won by Brazil led by Pelé.

Andrew Downie wrote in his book "The Greatest Show on Earth" about the 1970 edition: "It was the World Cup of modernity, when football began to take its first hesitant steps into a new era."

He added: "It was the first World Cup held outside Europe or South America, the first tournament to utilize substitutes, and the first edition where players were threatened with yellow and red cards. It was also the first to have its own official ball, the stylish black and white 'Adidas Telstar'."

He continued: "Most exciting for football fans around the world, it was the first tournament to be broadcast live in color," before asking: "Has history known a tournament more firmly etched in memory?"

The tournament witnessed many unforgettable moments; however, it was primarily associated with the magical Brazilian team led by Pelé, who lifted the trophy after a 4-1 thrashing of Italy in the final at the Azteca Stadium.

Bobby Moore, England's captain at the time, recalled his memories of Pelé, saying: "In the end, it felt like the World Cup in Mexico was held just for him."

When Colombia withdrew from hosting the 1986 edition, Mexico stepped in to organize the tournament, which had expanded from 16 teams to 24.

That was the tournament of Maradona par excellence, the tournament of the "Hand of God" and his legendary solo goal against England in the quarter-finals.

Maradona led Argentina to the final, where he made the decisive pass that allowed Jorge Burruchaga to score the late winning goal, after West Germany had come back from a two-goal deficit to equalize at 2-2.