Mexico City's Azteca Stadium is racing to meet a June 2026 World Cup deadline as crews push ahead with renovations to modernize the iconic venue.

But nearby residents are raising concerns about water access and rising living costs as construction intensifies around their neighborhoods.

The overhaul preserves the stadium’s main structure while adding new lighting, upgraded locker rooms, a redesigned pitch entrance and improved ventilation systems ahead of the tournament’s opening match.

The venue, which opened in 1966, is set to become the first stadium in history to host three World Cup inaugurations.

Stadium director Félix Aguirre said the renovation meets FIFA requirements while aiming to secure the long-term future of the site.

He said Mexico City’s government has been closely involved and views many of the upgrades as improvements that will remain for the surrounding community.

The stadium is expected to reopen in late March with a Mexico-Portugal warmup match, though crews are working toward an earlier handover on February 28.

The project includes a hybrid pitch with a new ventilation and suction system designed to prevent the turf problems that forced the relocation of an NFL game in 2018.

New sound and Wi-Fi systems are being installed, and capacity could rise from 83,000 to as many as 87,000 seats.

But residents in nearby neighborhoods say the transformation is unfolding as they face persistent water shortages linked to a well operated under a private concession serving the stadium.

They fear that construction and renovations around the venue, as well as its water demands, could further impact neighborhoods that say they already struggle with access to basic services.

Local resident Adolfo Lara said higher rents and aggressive investor activity are among the most immediate and troubling effects he expects around the venue.

Those concerns have emerged as part of wider tensions across Mexico City, where protests in several districts this year have centered on gentrification, rising prices and real estate speculation tied in part to next year’s World Cup events.

AP video shot by: Lissette Romero and Martín Silva Rey