Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Tribute to Pele and Diego Maradona planned for World Cup opening

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 11:00 AM

Last updated Jun 10, 2026

Tribute to Pele and Diego Maradona planned for World Cup opening

Summary

Pele and Diego Maradona will be honored during the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The tribute is scheduled for June 11, prior to the opening match featuring Mexico and South Africa. Both legends have historic ties to the stadium, having left significant marks on the World Cup tournaments held there in 1970 and 1986. FIFA has confirmed that the Azteca will host the opening match, emphasizing the importance of this tribute in connecting current World Cup moments with the past. The ceremony is expected to highlight the shared history of these two football icons and their accomplishments on the international stage.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Tribute is set for June 11 before Mexico vs. South Africa.
•Estadio Azteca hosted pivotal World Cup moments for both players.
•FIFA confirms Azteca as the venue for the tournament's opening match.
•Pele won the 1970 World Cup there; Maradona triumphed in 1986.

Latest Updates

11:00 AMYahoo Sports — Pele and Diego Maradona tribute planned for World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico

What they're saying

"
Pelé and Diego Maradona are reportedly set to be honoured during the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The tribute is planned for Thursday 11 June, ahead of the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer