The upcoming friendly between Mexico and Portugal on is set to feature a full Portuguese squad, including Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports. Despite some initial uncertainty surrounding the list of players Roberto Martínez intends to call up, ESPN reports that the national team coach plans to include all key figures expected to participate in the World Cup.
Martínez is expected to name a 26-player roster comprised of players considered integral to Portugal’s World Cup ambitions. This includes Ronaldo, alongside Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Neves, Rafael Leão, Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos. The inclusion of these players underscores the importance Portugal places on this match as a crucial preparation opportunity ahead of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The Portuguese team is scheduled to arrive in Mexico several days prior to the match, establishing a training camp in the Riviera Maya. This will allow the squad to acclimatize and prepare specifically for the match against Mexico, and for the unique conditions they may encounter during the World Cup itself. The decision to base themselves in the Riviera Maya highlights the importance of both physical and mental preparation for the team.
The match holds significant weight as it will also mark the reopening of the newly renovated Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Recent concerns regarding the completion of the renovations had prompted discussions about potential alternative venues, but those concerns have been allayed, with the Azteca confirmed as the host stadium. The stadium is set to host the opening match of the World Cup on , making this friendly a symbolic return for the iconic venue.
Mexico will be looking to test themselves against one of the world’s top teams, currently ranked sixth by FIFA. This friendly represents a valuable opportunity for manager Javier Aguirre to assess his squad against high-level competition as he continues to build towards the World Cup. Mexico currently sits 15th in the FIFA rankings. The match against Portugal, followed by a fixture against Belgium on in Chicago, provides a demanding schedule designed to prepare the team for the challenges ahead.
The friendly against Belgium, ranked eighth in the world, will further test Mexico’s capabilities. Following a challenging end to , which saw four draws and losses against Colombia and Paraguay, Aguirre is seeking improved performances from his team. The upcoming matches against Portugal and Belgium are therefore critical in gauging the progress made and identifying areas for improvement.
The Estadio Azteca’s renovation is a major undertaking, aiming to modernize the stadium while preserving its historical significance. Having hosted the opening matches of both the and World Cups, the Azteca is set to become the first stadium in history to host three tournament openers. The friendly against Portugal will serve as a showcase for the completed renovations, demonstrating the stadium’s readiness to host major international events once again.
Mexico has a challenging history against Portugal, having never secured a victory in their six previous encounters. This adds another layer of significance to the upcoming match, as Aguirre’s team will be eager to break that losing streak and demonstrate their competitiveness against a European powerhouse. The match represents not only a preparation opportunity for the World Cup but also a chance to rewrite history against a formidable opponent.
The confirmation of Ronaldo’s potential participation has generated considerable excitement among fans in Mexico. Ronaldo’s global appeal and status as a football icon are expected to draw a large crowd to the Estadio Azteca, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the match. His presence will undoubtedly elevate the profile of the friendly and further enhance its significance as a key event in the lead-up to the World Cup.
