As 2026 opens at Azteca, Valencia's 1966 first win recalled | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup began at the Azteca on Thursday night with Mexico defeating South Africa. The occasion also stirs memories of Valencia’s starring role in the stadium’s 1966 inauguration.

According to Superdeporte, the Mestalla side were invited to the opening tournament in Mexico City and became the first team to win a professional match there. A day earlier, on 29 May, América and Torino had drawn 2-2.

On 31 May 1966 Valencia beat Atlante 3-0, a game that also switched on the new floodlights. They went on to defeat Necaxa 3-1 and drew with Club América.

The tour deepened links with Mexico’s Valencian exile community after the Civil War and helped warm diplomatic relations between the countries. The club’s line-up at the Azteca included Pesudo, Vidagany, Tatono, Mestre, Roberto Gil, Paquito, Poli, Ansola, Waldo, Cardona and Guillot.

Pep Claramut, Palau and Totó Pascual came on in the second half. The goals in the Atlante win were scored by Cardona, Guillot and Paquito, one month and 11 days before England 66 began. Pelé lifted the 1970 World Cup at the Azteca, and in 1986 Diego Maradona followed suit.

Source: Superdeporte