El Tri want to return to the iconic venue before the tournament kicks off, and hope to do it against one of Europe’s top sides
The World Cup will open at the Azteca on June 11, 2026Ronaldo and Portugal are being lined up as Mexico’s opponentThe friendly would take place during the March FIFA windowFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?
The Mexican National Team is exploring the possibility of staging a high-profile friendly against Portugal to mark the reopening of the legendary Estadio Azteca, according to reports from FOX Sports.
The match would be scheduled for the March 2026 international window, serving as one of the final tune-ups before the World Cup kicks off that summer.
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Portugal, the current UEFA Nations League champions, are seen as the ideal rival for the symbolic event, with Cristiano Ronaldo potentially making one last visit to Mexico’s most iconic venue.
The last time the two nations met was at the 2017 Confederations Cup, where they drew 2-2 in the group stage before Portugal later claimed a 2-1 victory in the third-place playoff.
AFPDID YOU KNOW?
Mexico already has a busy slate of warm-up matches confirmed as part of their World Cup preparations:
Sept. 6: vs Japan – Oakland Coliseum
Sept. 9: vs South Korea – Geodis Park, Nashville
Oct. 11: vs Colombia – AT&T Stadium, Texas
Oct. 14: vs Ecuador – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
Nov. 15: vs Uruguay – TSM Estadio Corona, Torreón
Nov. 18: vs Paraguay – Estadio BBVA, Monterrey
If the deal goes through, the clash with Portugal would be the last big test before El Tri officially opens the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11 at the Azteca.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?México faces Japan this Saturday at the Oakland Coliseum.