Mexico is poised to host two international friendlies featuring top-tier European competition in March 2026, bolstering preparations for the FIFA World Cup being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The match against Portugal at the iconic Azteca Stadium is confirmed, and a second contest against Belgium is scheduled for at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Adding another layer to the international window, negotiations are underway to bring Chile to Puebla for a friendly against Portugal. According to reports, the Chilean National Football Association has engaged in advanced discussions with the Portuguese Football Federation to finalize the match, potentially taking place at the Cuauhtémoc Stadium in Puebla. This would provide Portugal with a third preparatory match during the international break.
The potential match between Portugal and Chile, slated for , would pit two prominent South American and European sides against each other just days before Portugal’s World Cup debut on . Portugal’s opening World Cup opponent is still to be determined, pending the outcome of the intercontinental playoff bracket, and the match will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston.
The confirmation of these friendlies underscores Mexico’s commitment to providing robust preparation opportunities for its national team ahead of the expanded 48-team World Cup. Mexico will debut in Group A play on at the Azteca, followed by matches in Guadalajara on and again at the Azteca on . The matches against Portugal and Belgium offer a valuable chance to test strategies and evaluate player combinations against high-caliber opposition.
The Azteca Stadium, recently renovated, will play a central role in Mexico’s World Cup campaign and will host the Portugal friendly, offering fans a first glimpse of potential World Cup stars on Mexican soil. The stadium’s historical significance and passionate fanbase are expected to create an electric atmosphere for the match.
Portugal, currently ranked sixth in the world, will be looking to fine-tune their squad and tactical approach under the guidance of their coach. The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, adds significant star power to the fixture and will undoubtedly draw considerable attention. Ronaldo, despite a recent three-game ban stemming from a red card in World Cup qualifying, has already served one game of that suspension and is eligible for selection.
The disciplinary verdict from FIFA deemed Ronaldo’s action as “violent conduct” or “serious foul play,” but the remaining two games of the ban are subject to a one-year probation period. His continued presence and leadership will be crucial for Portugal’s ambitions in the World Cup.
For Mexico manager Javier Aguirre, the friendlies represent an opportunity to assess his team’s progress following a disappointing end to 2025, which included four draws and losses to Colombia and Paraguay. Aguirre will be eager to see how his squad performs against two top-eight teams in the world, providing valuable insights as he finalizes his World Cup roster.
Historically, Mexico has struggled against Portugal, having never secured a victory in their six previous encounters. These upcoming matches will provide a chance to break that streak and build confidence ahead of the World Cup. The expanded World Cup format, featuring 104 matches across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., promises to be the largest and most inclusive tournament in history. Mexico’s preparation, including these high-profile friendlies, will be vital as they aim to make a strong showing on home soil.
The potential addition of Chile to the schedule further enhances the quality of Portugal’s pre-World Cup preparations. A match-up between Ronaldo’s Portugal and Alexis Sanchez’s Chile would be a compelling contest, showcasing two of the most recognizable names in international football. The game would provide both teams with a valuable opportunity to test their strategies and build momentum before the tournament begins.
