The high-profile international friendly between Mexico vs Portugal is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM MT / 4:00 PM PT).
The match will be played at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, as part of the March 2026 FIFA international window and the reopening celebrations for the newly renovated stadium.
This is one of the biggest friendlies of the window, serving as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted by Mexico, USA, and Canada).
Mexico will have home advantage and a passionate crowd, while Portugal aim to test themselves against a CONCACAF side.
Mexico vs Portugal Match Details, Date, Time, Predictions, Lineups & More
- Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
- Time: 19:00 CST (Local) / 9:00 PM ET.
- Stadium: Estadio Azteca (Estadio Banorte).
- Location: Santa Úrsula, Mexico City, Mexico.
- Mexico form: D D L W W W
- Portugal form: W W W D L W
Team News and Analysis
Mexico
Coach Javier Aguirre has called up a squad blending experience and youth, but is missing several key players due to injury (including Edson Álvarez, Santiago Giménez, Luis Chávez, and others).
The team will rely on veterans like Guillermo Ochoa and emerging talents. Mexico have been in mixed form but is motivated to make a statement at the Azteca.
Portugal
Coach Roberto Martínez has named a strong squad, but Cristiano Ronaldo is absent due to a hamstring injury. Portugal remain a formidable side with stars like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix.
They are in good form and will look to dominate possession and exploit any defensive lapses.
Head-to-Head Record
Portugal have a strong record against Mexico, winning three of the last five meetings. Matches are often competitive.
Mexico vs Portugal XI Lineups
- Mexico lineup XI vs Portugal (4-3-3): Ochoa; Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Lira, Fidalgo, Gutiérrez; Alvarado, Jiménez, Vega.
- Key Absentees: Head coach Javier Aguirre is navigating an injury crisis with Edson Álvarez, Luis Malagón
- Portugal lineup XI vs Mexico (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; Cancelo, António Silva, Inácio, Mendes; João Neves, Rúben Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Neto, Ramos, Félix.
- Key Absentees: Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the match due to a hamstring injury. Other major omissions include Rafael Leão, Diogo Costa, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Joao Palhinha.
Key Players to Watch
- Mexico: Guillermo Ochoa (veteran goalkeeper) and Hirving Lozano (if available) or attacking talents like Vega.
- Portugal: Bruno Fernandes (creative leader) and João Félix (attacking flair).
Match Prediction
Portugal are slight favorites due to squad quality, but Mexico’s home advantage at the Azteca and motivation could make this very close. Expect both teams to score in an entertaining friendly.
- Prediction: Portugal 1-2 Mexico or Mexico 1-2 Portugal
Where to Watch Mexico vs Portugal
This is a marquee friendly that will give both teams valuable insight ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- USA: Likely on FS1, TUDN, or streaming on fuboTV, Paramount+, and ESPN+.
- Mexico: Televisa, TV Azteca, or Prime Video, streaming platforms.
- Portugal: RTP or Sport TV.
- Global: FIFA+ or official broadcaster channels for highlights.
