Mexico to Face Portugal on March 28, 2026, in the Reopening of Estadio Azteca (Estadio Banorte)

The Mexican National Team will face a top-tier challenge on its road to the 2026 World Cup. The Mexican Football Federation officially announced that Mexico will play against Portugal on March 28, 2026, in a historic match that will mark the reopening of Estadio Azteca, now renamed Estadio Banorte, after its full renovation for the upcoming World Cup.

This will be the first match El Tri plays in its renewed home, making it a symbolic and monumental moment for both fans and the Mexican football landscape.

A World-Class Clash to Fuel Mexico’s World Cup Preparation

More than a friendly, the match against Portugal represents a high-level test. Mexico will face a European powerhouse that will also participate in the 2026 World Cup — the perfect benchmark for Javier Aguirre’s squad.

The match will take place in a completely remodeled Estadio Banorte, which will officially become the first stadium in world history to host three World Cup opening matches: 1970, 1986, and the upcoming 2026 edition.

The atmosphere is expected to be electric: a new home, renewed expectations, and a world-class opponent to ignite the final stretch toward the tournament.

A Historic Reopening for the Colossus of Santa Úrsula

The renovation of Estadio Banorte modernizes its infrastructure to FIFA standards for the 2026 World Cup. The reopening match promises to be a high-caliber event:

• Mexico vs Portugal

• March 28, 2026

• Estadio Banorte (formerly Estadio Azteca), Mexico City

• 7:00 p.m. CT

This game marks the long-awaited return of El Tri to its legendary home, the same stadium where the nation’s World Cup dreams will play out.

A Double FIFA Window of Elite Competition

Just three days after the reopening, Mexico will travel to Chicago to face Belgium at the iconic Soldier Field, completing a pair of high-intensity matchups.

Together, these two matches will help the coaching staff refine tactical options, test new combinations, and polish every detail ahead of Mexico’s historic World Cup run at home.

Official Match Times

• Mexico vs Portugal
  Estadio Banorte, Mexico City
  March 28, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. CT

• Mexico vs Belgium
  Soldier Field, Chicago
  March 31, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. ET

A Milestone Chapter on the Road to the 2026 World Cup

With these two showcases against Portugal and Belgium, Mexico takes a significant step in its preparation for a historic World Cup. The reopening of Estadio Azteca as Estadio Banorte — combined with a marquee opponent — marks the beginning of a new era for Mexican football, filled with expectation and ambition.

The path to 2026 starts now.