Mexico, Portugal Draw 0-0 as Azteca Stadium Reopens After Renovations

The iconic stadium hosted the match as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:04am

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Mexico and Portugal played to a scoreless draw in an international friendly match that marked the reopening of the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City after nearly two years of renovations for the 2026 World Cup. The iconic stadium, which hosted the finals of the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, has been closed since May 2024 for the upcoming tournament, where it will host five matches.

Why it matters

The match was an important test for Mexico and Portugal as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Azteca Stadium is one of the most famous and historic venues in international soccer, and its reopening after extensive renovations is a significant milestone for the upcoming World Cup.

The details

The match was scoreless, with Goncalo Ramos of Portugal hitting the goalpost in the 26th minute as the best scoring chance. Both teams were missing key players, with Mexico coach Javier Aguirre noting that 12 players who helped the team win the Nations League and Gold Cup were out injured. The Portuguese were also without forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leão.

  • The Azteca Stadium has been closed since May 2024 for renovations for the 2026 World Cup.
  • Mexico plays South Africa at the Azteca in the June 11 tournament opener.
  • Mexico will play against Belgium next Tuesday at Soldier Field in Chicago.
  • Portugal will face the United States at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta next Tuesday.
  • Portugal will make its World Cup debut on June 17 against the winner of the intercontinental playoffs match between Jamaica and Congo.

The players

Raul Jimenez

A Mexican soccer player who played in the match.

Javier Aguirre

The head coach of the Mexican national soccer team.

Goncalo Ramos

A Portuguese soccer player who hit the goalpost in the 26th minute.

Cristiano Ronaldo

A Portuguese soccer player who was absent from the match.

Rafael Leão

A Portuguese soccer player who was absent from the match.

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What they’re saying

“Individually, everyone, or almost everyone, responded well. Yes, there are some inconsistencies, which is normal, but I'm happy with the performance.”

— Javier Aguirre, Mexico coach

“Obviously, I don't want to ignore the fact that some players are out injured. As I said, there are 12 players who are missing, players who helped us win the Nations League and the Gold Cup.”

— Javier Aguirre, Mexico coach

“For us it is important to face these types of rivals, who are among the best in the world because it shows us what level we are at. Now we have to think about doing things well against Belgium.”

— Erik Sanchez, Mexico midfielder

What’s next

Mexico plays South Africa at the Azteca in the June 11 tournament opener, while Portugal will make its World Cup debut on June 17 against the winner of the intercontinental playoffs match between Jamaica and Congo.

The takeaway

The scoreless draw between Mexico and Portugal at the reopened Azteca Stadium highlighted the teams' preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with both sides missing key players but using the match as an important test ahead of the tournament.