Among the 16 venues across North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Monterrey’s Estadio BBVA stands out for its modern architecture, natural surroundings, and football atmosphere. Opened in 2015 and known as the “El Gigante de Acero” (The Steel Giant), the stadium is regarded as one of the most advanced football arenas in the world.
With a capacity of approximately 53,500 spectators, Estadio BBVA features tiered seating, VIP suites, a club-themed restaurant, lounge areas, and high-end interior and exterior design. It is also the home ground of Monterrey FC (Liga MX) and has hosted major international sporting events as well as large music tours.
One of the stadium’s defining features is its location. Thanks to its open design, fans can see the Cerro de la Silla mountain range in the background, creating one of the most visually iconic matchday experiences in world football.
The venue also stands out for its sustainability standards. Since construction, it has been developed with environmentally friendly principles and holds LEED Silver for Construction certification, while also working toward LEED for Operation and Maintenance certification.
For the 2026 World Cup, the pitch is being upgraded with a special system beneath the grass, which will consist of 95% natural and 5% synthetic turf, along with an integrated ventilation and vacuum system designed to improve durability and playing conditions.
All matches in Monterrey will be played at Estadio BBVA, which will host both group stage and knockout fixtures:
Group Stage
- June 14: Tunisia vs Sweden (10 p.m. ET)
- June 20: Tunisia vs Japan (12 a.m. ET)
- June 24: South Korea vs South Africa (9 p.m. ET)
Round of 32
- June 29: Group F Winner vs Group C Runner-up (9 p.m. ET)
With its combination of modern design, natural scenery, and major tournament action, Estadio BBVA is set to be one of the standout stages of the 2026 World Cup.