Simply months earlier than the 2026 World Cup kicks off in North America, followers could possibly be handled to a dream pleasant: Santiago Gimenez’s Mexico probably taking over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. In keeping with a number of experiences, Mexico is finalizing plans for a blockbuster match throughout the March worldwide window — one that might set the tone for El Tri’s preparation for the match.
This sport wouldn’t solely pit two of the game’s most prolific goal-scorers towards one another, however it could additionally function a symbolic second for Mexican soccer followers, marking a return to one in all their most historic venues.
Portugal, contemporary off their UEFA Nations League triumph, stays one in all Europe’s most revered footballing powers. The stakes are excessive for Mexico, which beneath coach Javier Aguirre, is searching for robust opposition to sharpen its edge earlier than June 2026. Having Santiago Gimenez lead the road towards Cristiano Ronaldo — nonetheless anticipated to function for Portugal — provides followers a uncommon likelihood to witness two generations of stars face off.
In keeping with TV Azteca’s David Medrano, the match will happen on the newly renovated Estadio Azteca on March 28, 2026, marking the official reopening of Mexico’s most iconic stadium. The Azteca, which has hosted two World Cup finals, has been present process intensive renovations for the reason that summer time of 2024 to arrange for changing into the primary stadium in historical past to host three completely different World Cups.
“An enormous renovation undertaking has been underway… El Tri wish to mark the big day with a sport towards a formidable opponent,” Medrano reported. For tens of millions of followers, this will probably be a historic second — the prospect to see Ronaldo, one in all soccer’s all-time greats, play on Mexican soil for the primary time.
Ronaldo’s historical past with Mexico
Though Cristiano Ronaldo has by no means performed in Mexico, he has confronted El Tri earlier than. “Ronaldo was on the pitch and supplied an help when Portugal and Mexico settled for a 2-2 draw within the group stage of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup,” AFP reminds. He missed the third-place match in that match however was a part of the squad when Portugal defeated Mexico 2-1 on the 2006 World Cup, although he didn’t function in that sport.
This pleasant would mark the primary time Mexico’s house supporters get to witness Ronaldo stay — a dream situation for a rustic with a passionate Actual Madrid and CR7 fanbase.
