Portugal are scheduled to play Mexico in a friendly as both teams prepare for Mundial2026. The match also marks the reopening of the iconic Azteca Stadium. The national team will feature a mix of new and returning players due to several absences.
Key Absences and New Faces in Portugal Squad
Portugal will be without key players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva for the match against Mexico. Diogo Costa and Rúben Dias are also absent. Roberto Martínez has called up Mateus Fernandes, a midfielder from West Ham, for his first senior call-up. Ricardo Horta, Gonçalo Guedes, Samu Costa, and Tomás Araújo have also returned to the squad, offering them a chance to secure a spot in the final list for May.
Injuries to Rodrigo Mora and Rafael Leão forced changes to the initial squad. Diogo Costa’s injury further altered the selection. Ricardo Velho and Paulinho were subsequently added, bringing the squad to 26 players.
Azteca Stadium Reopening and Altitude Challenge
This match will be the first time Portugal has played Mexico on Mexican soil. The game takes place in the Azteca Stadium, which is reopening with a reduced capacity of nearly 90,000 spectators, down from its previous 120,000. The match will test Roberto Martínez’s team, as they will need to adapt to playing at an altitude of 2,240 metres.
Portugal will aim to continue their unbeaten record against Mexico, having won three times and drawn twice. The team will be hoping to emulate Spain, who were the last European team to win at the Azteca back in 1981.
Upcoming Fixtures and Mundial2026 Details
The match against Mexico is scheduled for 02:00 on Sunday, Lisbon time. Portugal will then face the United States in another friendly on 31 March in Atlanta.
At the Mundial2026, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, Portugal are in Group K. Their group includes Uzbekistan, Colombia, and the winner of a play-off between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Jamaica.