Mexico and Portugal are tied 0-0 in Saturday’s international friendly at Estadio Azteca. It marks one of the final tune-ups for both national teams ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be played this summer in North America.
Portugal face the challenge of navigating the March FIFA break without their biggest star. Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of the squad due to a hamstring injury suffered in late February, forcing head coach Roberto Martinez to exclude him from matches against Mexico and the United States.
In that context, several Portuguese players will have the opportunity to prove their value—something that could be decisive when it comes to finalizing the 26-man squad set to compete in the FIFA tournament this summer.
Mexico, meanwhile, know they will carry the added pressure of being one of the host nations at the World Cup. That makes tests like Saturday’s clash with Portugal—one of Europe’s strongest national teams—especially valuable as they look to get comfortable competing at the highest level.
64’ – Another Portugal change (0-0)
Paulinho comes on for Goncalo Ramos.
59’ – More Mexico changes (0-0)
Erick Sanchez, Richard Ledezma, and German Berterame came on for Alvaro Fidalgo, Roberto Alvarado, and Raul Jimenez.
54’ – Alvarado comes close! (0-0)
Mexico nearly scored with a long-range shot.
53’ – First yellow cards (0-0)
Pedro Neto and Jesus Gallardo clashed and were both booked.
46’ – Mexico make changes (0-0)
Julian Quinones and Carlos Rodriguez come on for Brian Gutierrez and Obed Vargas.
46’ – Portugal make changes (0-0)
Joao Felix, Samu Costa, Antonio Silva, Francisco Conceicao, and Nuno Mendes were replaced by Joao Neves, Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Pedro Neto, and Vitinha.
Second half kicks off!
Mexico 0-0 Portugal
First half ends
Mexico and Portugal are tied 0-0.
42’ – Another Mexico attack (0-0)
Fidalgo delivered a dangerous cross across the box, but no player was able to connect.
36’ – Reyes tries from distance! (0-0)
The Mexican full-back fired a long-range shot, forcing a save from Rui Silva.
31’ – Another chance for Mexico (0-0)
A shot from Obed Vargas went wide.
26’ – Ramos comes close! (0-0)
Goncalo Ramos controlled the ball inside the box, but his shot went just wide.
23’ – Match pause (0-0)
Both teams take a hydration break, similar to what will happen during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
16’ – Mexico chance! (0-0)
Fidalgo drove into the box, and just as he was about to shoot, Samu Costa intercepted the ball.
14’ – Joao Felix comes close! (0-0)
The Al Nassr forward tried a delicate finish, but the ball went just over the bar.
12’ – Mexico escape! (0-0)
A defensive mistake forced goalkeeper Rangel into a quick clearance with his feet.
5’ – Mexico level with Portugal at the start (0-0)
Javier Aguirre’s side is looking to contest possession against Portugal.
The match has started!
Mexico and Portugal are now on the field.
Upcoming matches for Mexico and Portugal
Saturday’s clash marks the first game of the March FIFA break for both national teams. Mexico will return to action on Tuesday against Belgium, while Portugal are set to face the USMNT later that same day in Atlanta.
Head-to-head history between Mexico and Portugal
Mexico and Portugal have faced each other five times to date. Two of those meetings were friendlies (a 0-0 draw in 1969 and a 1-0 win for the Europeans in 2014), while two more came at the 2017 Confederations Cup (one draw and one victory for Portugal). Their only World Cup encounter was in 2006, when Portugal once again came out on top with a 2-1 win.
Estadio Azteca looks renewed
The venue for tonight’s clash between Mexico and Portugal is the legendary Estadio Azteca, inaugurated in 1966 and home to some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history. Among them, Pele and Diego Maradona delivered iconic performances during their World Cup runs in 1970 and 1986, respectively.
This year, Estadio Azteca reopened following renovation work aimed at bringing its infrastructure up to top standards ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where it is set to host the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. In its current configuration, the venue has a capacity of 87,523 spectators.
Portugal starting lineup confirmed!
Roberto Martinez has chosen the following XI: Rui Silva; Matheus Nunes, Renato Veiga, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes; Samu Costa, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Joao Felix, Francisco Conceicao, Gonzalo Ramos.
Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing?
The biggest absence in tonight’s match is Cristiano Ronaldo, who was not called up by Roberto Martinez for the March FIFA break due to a hamstring injury suffered with Al Nassr in late February. He is expected to return to action next week in the Saudi Pro League.
Mexico starting lineup confirmed!
Here is the XI selected by head coach Javier Aguirre: Raul Rangel; Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Jesus Gallardo, Israel Reyes; Erick Lira, Obed Vargas, Alvaro Fidalgo; Brian Gutierrez, Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez.
Kickoff time and how to watch
Mexico and Portugal will face off at 9:00 PM (ET).
You can watch the international friendly live on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Univision, TUDN, FOX Deportes and ViX.
Mexico and Portugal face off at Estadio Azteca
Welcome to our live blog of the international friendly between Mexico and Portugal. Stay with us for the latest updates on both national teams and, once the action gets underway, full minute-by-minute coverage!
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