Mexico to Host Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in Azteca Stadium Reopening

The Mexican National Team has ended speculation and officially announced that it will face Portugal during the March 2026 FIFA window. The match will mark El Tri’s long-awaited return to the Estadio Azteca — now renamed Estadio Banorte — after more than a year of renovation. Cristiano Ronaldo headlines the Portuguese roster, meaning only an injury would prevent his first-ever appearance at the legendary venue.

The friendly against Portugal is scheduled for Saturday, March 28 at 7:00 PM (Mexico City time). Mexico’s announcement highlighted global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Vitinha, ensuring a packed and historic reopening night. It will also be Mexico’s first match on home soil since the dramatic comeback against Honduras in the 2023–24 Nations League quarterfinals.

Three days later, El Tri will face another European power. Mexico will take on Belgium on Tuesday, March 31 at 7:00 PM at Soldier Field in Chicago. It will be the first meeting between the two sides since their thrilling 3–3 draw in November 2017.

These two high-profile friendlies provide Mexico with a valuable opportunity to test itself against elite European competition ahead of the World Cup — the most significant tournament the country will host in its modern football history.