Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal to face Mexico in 2026 warm-up clash at revamped Azteca

Mexico has officially confirmed a friendly game against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in March 2026. The 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts will also lock horns with Belgium in another friendly game.

Mexico will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the USA and Canada next summer. Ahead of the competition, they will play two friendly games to prepare. They released a statement on Wednesday, which read (h/t goal):

“The Sporting Directorate of the Mexico National Team confirms Portugal and Belgium - two national teams positioned within the FIFA Top 10 ranking - as the opponents for the March 2026 FIFA window.”

It will be Portugal's first ever game in Mexico, and this is also the case for Ronaldo if he features in the match. The venue for the game, set to take place on March 28, is Estadio Banorte, Azteca, which has been recently renovated. It will become the first stadium to host three World Cup openers (1970, 1986, and 2020) next summer.

Meanwhile, Mexico will then host Belgium at Soldier Field in Chicago on March 31. The two teams have crossed paths seven times, with Mexico having three wins, Belgium having two and two matches being drawn.

Former Arsenal player believes Cristiano Ronaldo's presence will be huge for Portugal at 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo will feature in his last FIFA World Cup, as he hopes to win the biggest trophy for the first time in his glorious career. However, with the striker turning 40, there has been speculation about his place in Portugal's starting XI. Many fans believe the Al-Nassr player should start on the bench in the competition.

However, former Arsenal and Brazil player Gilberto Silva appreciates Ronaldo's potential earlier this year and said:

"He's a machine. Cristiano has a mentality like no other player. He can turn things around and find a solution on the pitch. In recent years, he's not as fast as he used to be, but he's found a role playing as a number nine and continues to score goals like mad."

"What we expect from this player is his leadership. I think his leadership is so important and vital for Portugal, regardless of how long he stays on the field. I'm sure having him in the squad would be great for every player because he can inspire them, push them to their limits, and make them believe they are capable of achieving things."

Cristiano Ronaldo has been in exceptional form this season, registering 11 goals and two assists in 12 games across all competition for Al-Nassr.