The upcoming friendly match between the Mexico national team and the Portugal national team is scheduled for March 28, 2026, at the newly renovated Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. This match is part of the preparations for the 2026 World Cup and is expected to draw close to 100,000 fans.
Kick-off is set for 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. The match will also serve as a test for the stadium, which has increased its capacity from 83,000 to 87,500 spectators following renovations. The Estadio Azteca, as it was previously known, has a storied history, having hosted World Cup matches in 1970 and 1986.
Mexico has not lost at Estadio Azteca since 2013, a statistic that adds pressure as they prepare to face Portugal. However, the Mexican side will be without several regulars, including Edson Álvarez, Gilberto Mora, Marcel Ruiz, and Santiago Gimenez. In a notable development, Álvaro Fidalgo will make his debut for Mexico in this match.
On the other hand, Portugal will be missing their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, due to injury. Ronaldo recently expressed his excitement about returning to the pitch, stating, “Good to be back! Looking good,” but will not participate in this match.
Both teams are expected to field strong lineups, with Mexico likely adopting a 4-3-3 formation, while Portugal is predicted to use a 4-2-3-1 setup. This match will be crucial for both teams as they finalize their strategies ahead of the World Cup.
Renovation efforts at Estadio Banorte included the installation of a new sound system featuring 250 speakers and the involvement of 2,200 workers in the project. Félix Aguirre, involved in the renovations, mentioned, “It’s true that I’ve had trouble sleeping thinking about the project and making sure it’s the best it can be,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining the stadium’s legacy.
As the match approaches, observers are keen to see how both teams will perform under the spotlight of the newly renovated stadium. The outcome may provide insights into their readiness for the upcoming World Cup.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineups and any last-minute changes that could affect the match.
