Cristiano Ronaldo will be absent from the biggest stage in Mexico.
A Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal will face Mexico on Saturday in the first game at Estadio Azteca since its renovations for the 2026 World Cup.
The site of the first game of this summer’s expanded 48-team World Cup will officially re-open this weekend, with Mexico hoping to mark the occasion in style.
Mexico host South Africa at the Azteca, the site of some of the most memorable moments in the tournament’s long history, in the opening match on June 11.
Drawn in a group that will also feature South Korea and either Denmark or Czech Republic, Javier Aguirre’s side will see the visit of Portugal as a good test of where they stand under three months out from the World Cup.
But it is one they will face with as many as 12 regulars missing from the squad, including captain Edson Alvarez.
Yet it is Portugal talisman Ronaldo who will be the most glaring absentee from the fixture.
The Al-Nassr star is sidelined with a thigh injury, robbing him of the chance to add to his remarkable tally of 143 goals
Portugal will face United States on Tuesday in their final friendly before Roberto Martinez names his squad for the World Cup, in which they will take on Uzbekistan, Colombia and either DR Congo or Jamaica.
None of Portugal’s Group K games are in Mexico, and they will only contest a knockout game in the country in the unlikely event they progress as the third-place team in the group and then win a round-of-32 match against the winners of Group L, which contains England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
In that scenario, Portugal could meet Mexico in a last-16 match at the Azteca. They have only met once before at the World Cup, with Portugal prevailing 2-1 in the 2006 World Cup group stage.
Yet Martinez still sees a game with a team he views as a contender for the title as good preparation for the tournament.
“Mexico is always a team that makes very good use of the home advantage,” Martinez told TUDN. “When you analyse Mexico in the World Cups, they don’t get out of the group stage, but in the two World Cups they have played in Mexico they reached the quarter-finals.
“We are talking about a team that, playing at home in the Azteca, has to be one of the favourites.
“Being able to play at the Azteca is the best preparation for the World Cup. I know the players have already started talking… everyone has their own memories, and the Azteca is a stadium that is a benchmark in World Cups.”
Mexico will follow the game with Portugal by travelling to Chicago to take on Belgium on Tuesday.
And Aguirre stressed that the number of absentees will likely have a big impact on their performances, with Mexico missing many of the players that helped them to CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup glory in 2025.
“Half of the team that won two titles, with whom you forged a family bond and a commitment, and who lifted a trophy today, are not with you,” Aguirre told a press conference.
“It’s by no means an excuse because other Mexicans are emerging in the same positions and they will try.
“It’s true that of these 12 injured players, two or three are definitely out, not because of me, but due to medical reasons, but there could be good news for the others.
“We’ll miss them, that’s true, but we can’t depend on anyone. We haven’t done so far.”
Team news for Mexico v Portugal
Captain Alvarez headlines Mexico’s long list of absentees, which also includes striker Santiago Gimenez, midfielders Luis Chavez and Cesar Huerta, and full-back Rodrigo Huescas.
Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora and defender Julian Araujo are also out through injury. Goalkeeper Luis Malagon and midfielder Marcel Ruiz have long-term injuries that will see them miss the World Cup.
In addition to Ronaldo, goalkeeper Diogo Costa, AC Milan star Rafael Leao and 18-year-old forward Rodrigo Mora are all sidelined for Portugal.
Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Joao Palhinha have been omitted from the squad due to fitness concerns.
Predicted line-ups for Mexico v Portugal
Mexico: Rangel; J. Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; E. Sanchez, Vargas, Pineda; Alvarado, Jimenez, Vega.
Portugal: Sa; Dalot, Inacio, Silva, Mendes; J. Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha; Conceico, Ramos, Felix.
Where to watch Mexico v Portugal: TV and online streams
Mexico v Portugal kicks off at 2:00am on Sunday UK time. It is not available to watch on TV or online.
Stats for Mexico v Portugal
- Portugal are unbeaten in four games against Mexico (W2, D2).
- Martinez’s men kept a clean sheet in just two of their 10 games in 2025.
- This will be Portugal’s first game at Estadio Azteca. None of their three World Cup games in 1986 took place in Mexico City.
- Mexico are on a three-game unbeaten run, having won three friendlies this year by an aggregate score of 6-0.
- El Tri have played four games against UEFA opposition since the 2022 World Cup, losing just one. (W2, D1).
- Raul Jimenez has four goals in his last six games for Mexico.
Prediction for Mexico v Portugal
The altitude at Estadio Azteca could be something of a leveller, but the gap in quality is large in this clash, and Portugal should make it tell.
What To Do If You Have A Gambling Problem
We understand that gambling can be fun, but it is always important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery. Below, we have listed some helpful resources to help aid you on the road to recovery.
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- GamCare: https://www.gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware: www.gambleaware.com
