Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make a possible appearance in a World Cup warm-up match at the newly upgraded Azteca Stadium on March 28. The match will see Mexico hosting sixth-ranked Portugal, as confirmed by the Mexican football federation.
During the March 2026 international window, Mexico will play against two teams ranked in the top eight, with their second match against Belgium scheduled for March 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Despite receiving a three-game suspension due to a red card for elbowing an opponent in a World Cup qualifying match, the Al Nassr forward has already completed the required one-game ban.
Ronaldo missed Portugal’s last qualifying match, which ended in a decisive 9-1 victory over Armenia, securing their spot in the upcoming World Cup in June across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Last week, FIFA released a decision regarding Ronaldo’s three-game suspension, deeming his actions as “violent conduct” or “serious foul play.” However, the remaining games of his ban are deferred for a one-year probationary period.
Following a challenging end to the year with four draws and defeats against Colombia (4-0) and Paraguay (2-1), Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre is eager to assess his team against two strong opponents ahead of the World Cup. Mexico has yet to secure a victory against Portugal in any of their six prior encounters.
Mexico was eliminated during the group stage of the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.
Mexico will kick off their Group A World Cup campaign on June 11 at the Azteca against an opponent to be decided at the draw on December 5. They will also play on June 18 in Guadalajara before concluding the group stage on June 24 at the Azteca.