Mexico vs Portugal: International Friendly Set for March 2026

What observers say

Portugal will play an international friendly against Mexico on March 28, 2026, at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The match is set to kick off at 7 PM local time and is part of both teams’ preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which Mexico will co-host.

Portugal enters the match following an impressive 9-1 victory over Armenia, showcasing their strong offensive capabilities. In contrast, Mexico has struggled recently, winning only three of their last nine friendlies, with their last competitive victory occurring against the USA in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final in July 2025.

The Azteca Stadium, a historic venue that hosted the FIFA World Cup final in 1970, has undergone two years of renovation and will reopen for this match. This friendly marks a significant moment for Mexico, as they will also kick off the World Cup at this stadium on June 11, 2026.

Despite their recent struggles, Mexico has shown resilience, managing to secure three consecutive wins after enduring a six-match winless streak. They scored four goals against Iceland in one of those victories, indicating a potential resurgence in form.

Portugal, currently ranked sixth in the world, has a strong track record against Mexico, having never lost in five previous meetings. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo, the men’s all-time leading international scorer with 143 goals, will not participate in the match due to a hamstring injury, which could impact Portugal’s attacking strategy.

Under the guidance of coach Roberto Martinez, Portugal has lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy in June 2025 and aims to build on that momentum. Meanwhile, Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre will be looking to solidify his team’s performance ahead of their World Cup campaign.

As both teams prepare for this friendly, observers are keen to see how Mexico will perform at home and if they can leverage the support of their fans at the Azteca Stadium. The outcome of this match may provide insights into their readiness for the World Cup.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final squad selections for both teams, but the match promises to be an exciting encounter as they gear up for the global stage.