The numbers
In a highly anticipated friendly match held at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on March 29, 2026, Portugal and Mexico played to a goalless draw. The match, which drew an impressive crowd of 67,000 spectators, served as a test event for the stadium’s recent renovations ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from the match due to injury, leaving fans disappointed. Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, expressed his thoughts on the team’s performance, stating, “I think we had 10 shots on goal, which isn’t far off what we were aiming for.” Despite the attempts, the Portuguese side struggled with accuracy, failing to convert their chances into goals.
Portugal’s Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos were particularly active, with Felix coming close to scoring in the 14th minute. However, the match lacked the excitement of goals, leaving both teams to reflect on their performances. Mexico’s Raul Jimenez and Armando Gonzalez also had opportunities, with Gonzalez missing a header from just three yards out.
The match marked the reopening of the historic Azteca Stadium, which has previously hosted the finals of the 1970 and 1986 World Cup tournaments. This friendly was part of the preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the stadium is set to host five matches, including two knockout stage games.
Tragedy struck shortly before the match when a man fell from the stands at the stadium, leading to his death. This incident cast a shadow over the event, highlighting safety concerns that need to be addressed as the World Cup approaches.
Looking ahead, Mexico is scheduled to face Belgium in another friendly match, which will be crucial for both teams as they prepare for the World Cup. The outcome of this match will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, as both teams seek to refine their strategies and lineups.
As the football world turns its attention to the upcoming tournament, observers will be keen to see how both teams evolve in their performances. Success or failure isn’t just about the score, as Martinez pointed out, emphasizing that there are many more factors at play these days. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the impact of Ronaldo’s absence on Portugal’s future matches.