Portugal and Mexico draw 0-0 in 2026 World Cup friendly at Estadio Azteca

Portugal drew 0-0 with 2026 World Cup co-hosts Mexico in a warm-up friendly at the high-altitude Estadio Azteca on Saturday. Coach Roberto Martinez praised substitute Paulinho's return from international exile, amid a tense clash between Chelsea's Pedro Neto and Mexico's Jesus Gallardo.

The renovated Estadio Azteca, at 2,200 meters above sea level with over 83,000 capacity, hosted the goalless draw between Portugal and Mexico. With Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão, and Rodrigo Mora injured, Bruno Fernandes captained Portugal and created an early chance for Gonçalo Ramos, whose shot hit the post.

Mexico threatened late through substitute Armando González's header, which went wide. Both coaches—Roberto Martinez for Portugal and Javier Aguirre for Mexico—praised the match's intensity despite no goals.

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News illustration of Mexico-Portugal 0-0 draw at reopened Estadio Banorte, featuring fan tragedy, protests, and crowd issues.
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Mexico 0-0 Portugal in goalless Estadio Banorte reopening match marred by fan death

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Mexico held Portugal to a 0-0 draw in the March 28 friendly that reopened the remodeled Estadio Banorte (formerly Azteca), testing upgrades for its five 2026 World Cup matches, including the opener. As previewed in prior coverage of preparations and Cristiano Ronaldo's absence, the event saw a 27-year-old fan's fatal fall from a suite, nearby protests over missing persons, homophobic chants, and operational issues like digital entry delays.

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.

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The March 28 friendly between Mexico and Portugal marked the reopening of Estadio Banorte (formerly Azteca) after a $300 million remodel for the 2026 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo missed the match due to injury but soon resumed training, sparking online memes. The event drew protests, extended public transport, and featured a cashless payment system.

Mexico's women's national team thrashed Puerto Rico 6-0 at Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca, securing a spot in the Concacaf qualifiers for the 2027 Brazil Women's World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Pedro López's side finished the tournament unbeaten: four wins, 36 goals scored and none conceded.

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Mexico City's Instituto de Verificación Administrativa (INVEA) and Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) have launched special operations for today's March 28 Mexico vs Portugal match at Estadio Banorte, banning alcohol sales on public roads and offering no parking. Government head Clara Brugada called the game a 'preview for the World Cup.' Over 10,000 agents will secure the event with safety perimeters and prioritized public transport.

Clara Brugada, head of Mexico City government, unveiled plans for 18 free Futboleros Festivals with giant screens to watch 2026 World Cup matches. Seven venues will air all games, while others will show key moments. Cultural activities, concerts, and indigenous cuisine will complement the events.

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Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti voiced frustration over the short preparation time for his team's World Cup warm-up friendly against France in Foxboro on Thursday. Most players arrived only on Tuesday, limiting training ahead of the match against the World Cup favorites. Key absences plague both sides as they gear up for the summer tournament.

 

 

 

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