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Sports

Mexico’s iconic Azteca is set to reopen. That’s good news for sleep-deprived stadium director

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MEXICO CITY (AP) — Félix Aguirre admits he’s been having trouble sleeping these last few months. On the eve of the reopening of the iconic Azteca Stadium, and with some work still to be done, the stadium director won’t be able to relax until kickoff on Saturday night.

After being closed since May 2024 for renovations in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, the stadium where Pelé’s Brazil and Diego Maradona’s Argentina won the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, respectively, will again open its doors to fans for a friendly match between Mexico and Portugal.

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It will be a crucial test for Aguirre and all the workers who have been racing against the clock in recent weeks to get the stadium ready, not just for that match but also for the World Cup opener on June 11, when Mexico plays South Africa.

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‘We’re ready’

“It’s true that I’ve had trouble sleeping thinking about the project and making sure it’s the best it can be,” Aguirre told The Associated Press. “Today I can tell you that we’ve done it and we’re ready.”

The AP was given access to the stadium on Thursday when work appeared to still be underway in various areas, including the new locker rooms, where the smell of paint is noticeable.

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According to Aguirre, there are currently 2,200 workers on the project, working 24 hours a day.

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With the renovations, the stadium, officially renamed Banorte, increased its capacity from 83,000 to 87,500 spectators. In addition, new seats, a new sound system with 250 speakers, two video screens, new locker rooms, and a hybrid pitch were installed, among other improvements.

To increase capacity, a lounge area located in the lower and central part of the stadium was removed.

“At some point we tore down the lower stands to put in boxes and some lounges that weren’t nice, now we’re bringing back those stands and that’s returning to the original Azteca,” Aguirre said.

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The stadium located south of Mexico City will host five World Cup games next summer. Opened in 1966, Azteca has undergone several renovations — the last one to accommodate NFL games in 2016.

“There were many areas for improvement, but some things we were obsessed with were enhancing the fan experience. To achieve this, we improved the audio, video, and internet, but we also improved the restrooms, entrances and exits, and everything related to the overall experience,” Aguirre said.

“It’s somewhat subjective, but I think we achieved it.”

All about soul

Aguirre was given a clear brief to follow.

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“Another thing we wanted was for it not to lose its soul,” Aguirre said. “This is a historic building that is part of the city; we couldn’t disrespect its essence. We simply had to enhance it, preserve its soul, and provide fans with a better experience.”

The exterior remains a familiar sight to fans. Debris can still be seen in some places, and there will be no car parking available for supporters for Saturday’s game. Authorities have asked fans to use public transportation or shuttles that will depart from public locations throughout the capital.

Aguirre’s mission is to hand over the stadium to FIFA a month before the June 11 opener.

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If all goes well, then he’ll be able to sleep soundly.

“That’s what we hope,” he said with a laugh.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE, El Clasico: Marcus Rashford Scores Stunning Free-Kick, Barcelona Take Early Lead | FCB 1-0 RMA

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5′ Barcelona go through on the left with Marcus Rashford, who swings a low cross into the box. However, Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia recovers in time to prevent any danger.

A minute later, Barcelona attack again, but this time it’s Raul Asencio who recovers and makes a superb tackle! Remember, Asencio came in last-minute after Dean Huijsen felt discomfort during warm-up.

FCB 0-0 RMA

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NU’s Greg Ancheta fights through and wins ‘most meaningful’ title

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Greg Ancheta NU Bulldogs UAAP Season 88 Finals

NU setter Greg Ancheta, left, celebrates during a win over FEU in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Feeling the weight of the pressure, Greg Ancheta endured tearful nights, crying quietly in bed as he dealt with self-doubt without his teammates knowing.

Tasked with steering National University’s loaded offense bannered by Alas Pilipinas stars Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin, Ancheta admitted the journey was far from easy, but one he eventually overcame through trust given by coach Dante Alinsunurin and his teammates and, more importantly, belief in himself.

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“There were times when I’d lie in bed crying alone. I just didn’t show it to my teammates or the people I shared a room with,” Ancheta said in Filipino.

READ: Latest UAAP crown is NU’s toughest title run, says Alinsunurin

“But I held on to Coach Dante’s reminder that I can’t rely only on the coaches if I want to play. I need to have my own identity as a player. I’m also thankful because they gave me their trust, and from there, I just kept working hard.”

After losing their last two games in the elimination round and finishing with a 10-4 record, Alinsunurin lamented that their set plays became one of their problems.

“There’s really a story behind that because I kept telling him that he needed to challenge himself. I wanted to push him and see what he was capable of because I knew he could help carry us to a championship,” said Alinsunurin of Ancheta.

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“In that situation, I really tried to bring out more from him. I told him he shouldn’t just depend on the coaching staff or the people teaching him. What’s important is that he learns how to decide for himself — not only in volleyball, but also in life.  He needs to build his own identity as a player,” he added.

It lit the fire under Ancheta as he unleashed 30 excellent sets in NU’s win over University of Santo Tomas in the playoff for the No.2 spot. He then dished out 23 in their Final Four victory against UST to reach the title round for the 11th straight time.

READ: UAAP Finals: NU Bulldogs claim ‘six-peat’ with sweep of FEU Tamaraws

In the finals opener, Ancheta anchored NU’s five-set comeback with 31 excellent sets and paced NU’s successful “six-peat” with 20 excellent sets in their 26-24, 25-22, 25-22 sweep of FEU to rule the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

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“It feels really good because I was able to overcome all the challenges that came my way,” Ancheta said.

Alinsunurin, now an eight-time champion coach, credited his playmaker for accepting the challenge.

“With what he showed in the semifinals and finals, he was really impressive. I knew he was ready, and he performed very well,” he said.

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After overcoming the quiet battles no one else saw, Ancheta found tranquility with NU’s latest championship.



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“I want to thank coach Dante, who stood by my side and allowed me to fight for myself, too,” said Ancheta. “At this point, I feel like I don’t have anything left to prove except to give my best every game. Maybe this is the most meaningful championship I’ve won.”

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NFL fans brutally mock Colts LB CJ Allen over “slow” running speed at rookie camp

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The Indianapolis Colts selected former Georgia linebacker CJ Allen in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 53rd overall pick. The franchise posted a clip of the 21-year-old working out at rookie camp on Saturday.

“CJ in motion,” the caption read.

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Fans flocked to the comment section to share their reaction to the video.

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“I seen dads at a cookout move faster,” a fan said.

i seen dads at a cookout move faster

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“Dude moving like a Amazon package handler,” one fan commented.

“10 and 11 personnel going to have CJ in hell,” another fan added.

Here are some more reactions.

“Get cj a stretch dr. Stiff af,” a fan wrote.

“he is still just as slow fjejxbjanxjzjd,” one fan posted.

“Did he just learn how to run today?” Another fan said.

“Delete this bro looks 40 years old,” one comment read.

As the Colts’ rookie minicamp got underway on May 8–10, 2026, Allen’s athleticism was a major talking point. Throughout the 2026 draft process, many scouting reports labeled the linebacker as an average athlete. Reports suggested he had slow lateral speed and slow change of direction.

Many argued that he often looked split-second late on film when reacting to zone passes or chasing down fast ball carriers.

Also Read: “Chiefs are about to get him” “100% going to be a Eagle”: NFL fans react as Colts release Pro Bowl CB Kenny Moore

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Also Read: “Gotta let him know he’s the little brother”: Colts WR Josh Downs gets candid about facing Cowboys rookie Caleb Downs

CJ Allen reveals the story behind wearing No. 53 with the Colts

After wearing No. 3 throughout his standout career at Georgia, CJ Allen needed a new number in the NFL because Colts kicker Spencer Shrader already wore it.

Indianapolis assigned Allen No. 53, and at first, he saw it as a standard linebacker jersey. Later, he was selected with the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft after the Colts traded down from No. 47.

The jersey also holds major franchise history as former Colts All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard wore No. 53 during his dominant run with the team. He won AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2018 and earned three first-team AP All-Pro selections while wearing the iconic number. Allen now hopes to create his own legacy in Indianapolis.

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The former Georgia star appeared in 41 games with 30 starts from 2023-25, recording 205 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 11 pass breakups, one interception, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

His impressive 2025 campaign included 88 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, helping him earn First Team All-America and First Team All-SEC honors.