Mexico and Portugal played to a scoreless draw on Saturday night in a warm-up match that marked the reopening of the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City after nearly two years of renovations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match featured absences for both teams, with Mexico missing 12 players including six starters, and Portugal missing stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leão.
Why it matters
The Azteca Stadium is one of the most legendary venues in international soccer, having hosted the finals of the 1970 and 1986 World Cups. Its renovations are a crucial part of Mexico's preparations to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.
The details
The match saw few clear-cut scoring chances, with Goncalo Ramos of Portugal coming closest when he hit the post in the 26th minute. Both teams were missing key players due to injury, with Mexico down 12 players including six starters from their recent CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup triumphs. Portugal was also without stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leão.
- The Azteca Stadium has been closed since May 2024 for renovations ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
- Mexico will open the 2026 World Cup on June 11 in Mexico City against South Africa.
- Portugal
will make its World Cup debut on June 17 against the winner of the
intercontinental playoffs match between Jamaica and Congo.
The players
Goncalo Ramos
A Portuguese forward who hit the post with the best scoring chance of the match.
Cristiano Ronaldo
A Portuguese forward who was absent from the match due to injury.
Rafael Leão
A Portuguese forward who was also absent from the match due to injury.
What’s next
Mexico will face Belgium next Tuesday at Soldier Field in Chicago, while Portugal will take on the United States at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as both teams continue their World Cup preparations.
The takeaway
The scoreless draw between Mexico and Portugal marked an important milestone in the Azteca Stadium's renovations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, though both teams were hampered by key absences. The iconic venue's return to the global soccer stage will be a highlight of the upcoming tournament.
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