Mexico and Portugal Set for High-Profile Friendly at Estadio Azteca

Cristiano Ronaldo to miss the match as Portugal kick off North American tour

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:26pm

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Mexico and Portugal will face off in an international friendly at Estadio Azteca this Saturday night. While Cristiano Ronaldo will be absent due to injury, Portugal will still field a talented squad led by Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, and Joao Cancelo. Mexico, under new coach Javier Aguirre, will look to use this match as a valuable test ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host.

Why it matters

This high-profile friendly between two soccer powerhouses provides an important opportunity for both teams to evaluate their talent and playing styles ahead of the 2026 World Cup. For Mexico, it's a chance to continue building their identity under a new manager, while Portugal aims to showcase their depth despite Ronaldo's absence.

The details

Portugal will be without star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. However, they will still field an impressive lineup featuring Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, and Joao Cancelo. Mexico, led by new coach Javier Aguirre, will look to attack with the likes of Raul Jimenez and Julian Quinones, though they will need to be more cautious against the talented Portuguese side.

  • The match will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
  • Portugal will then travel to Atlanta to face the USMNT on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Javier Aguirre

The head coach of the Mexican national team, tasked with shaping the squad into a serious contender ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Roberto Martinez

The head coach of the Portuguese national team, who must navigate the absence of several key players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, during this international break.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The star striker for Portugal who will miss this match due to a hamstring injury.

Bruno Fernandes

The Manchester United midfielder who will be one of the main attractions for Portugal in this match.

Raul Jimenez

The key attacking player for Mexico, expected to feature in the starting lineup.

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What they’re saying

“Facing Portugal will require Mexico to be more cautious than they typically are against Concacaf opposition, but Javier Aguirre will not sacrifice attacking firepower.”

— Alejandro Lopez Vega, Author

“Even so, Portugal will field an extremely competitive side, with most of their stars available.”

— Alejandro Lopez Vega, Author

What’s next

After the match against Mexico, Portugal will travel to Atlanta to face the USMNT on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The takeaway

This high-profile friendly between Mexico and Portugal provides a valuable opportunity for both teams to evaluate their talent and playing styles ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will co-host. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo's absence, Portugal will still field a formidable squad, making this an important test for Mexico's developing national team.