Following confirmation despite earlier security concerns, Mexico faces Portugal in a World Cup 2026 preparation friendly on Saturday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m. central Mexico time at Banorte Stadium (formerly Azteca) in Mexico City. The match marks the venue's reopening, highlighting Mexico's newcomers like Álvaro Fidalgo and returnee Guillermo Ochoa, while Portugal arrives without injured Cristiano Ronaldo.
After joint statements from the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) affirming the match would proceed at the remodeled Estadio Azteca—now Banorte Stadium—despite violence linked to the death of cartel leader 'El Mencho', preparations are underway for this key friendly.
Mexico, under Javier Aguirre, trained at the High Performance Center with compact sessions to adapt to the stadium's conditions. Spotlighting Álvaro Fidalgo's debut post-naturalization, he joked: “They welcomed me with two or three kicks... just kidding; everything has gone very well.” Guillermo Ochoa eyes a sixth World Cup appearance, Alexis Vega is back from knee injury, and Raúl Jiménez leads the forwards alongside Julián Quiñones, Germán Berterame, and Armando González.
Mexico's squad: Goalkeepers Raúl Rangel, Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo; Defenders César Montes, Israel Reyes (full list available); Midfielders Orbelín Pineda, Érick Sánchez; Forwards Roberto Alvarado, Guillermo Martínez.
Portugal, coached by Roberto Martínez, acclimatized in Cancún to counter Mexico City's altitude after Lisbon training. Absent: Cristiano Ronaldo (muscle injury), Diogo Costa, Rúben Dias, Rafael Leão, Rodrigo Mora. Includes Toluca's Paulinho. Roster: Goalkeepers José Sá, Rui Silva; Defenders João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes; Midfielders Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha; Forwards João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos.
The match precedes Mexico's World Cup opener on June 11 against South Africa. Fan notes: No general parking; road closures from 6:00 a.m.; Park & Ride at Auditorio Nacional, Plaza Carso; special routes from Bellas Artes; pedestrian access for ticket holders only; public transport until 1:00 a.m.
