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Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are making an early trip to Mexico.
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) is close to finalizing an agreement for Mexico and Portugal to face off in the re-inauguration of the Estadio Azteca on March 28, 2026, marking the stadium’s grand reopening ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After nearly two years of renovations—closed since May 2024—the Azteca is set to shine once again. According to FMF President Mikel Arriola, only minor details remain before the high-profile friendly can be made official.
“It is most likely that it will be Portugal for the re-opening of the Estadio Azteca,” said Arriola. “There are still details to be finalized, technicals, but I would tell you that everything is almost confirmed.”
A DETALLES DE CERRAR A PORTUGAL#CentralFOX | Mikel Arriola, presidente de la FMF, confirmó que restan detalles técnicos para cerrar a Portugal como rival para México en la reapertura del Estadio Azteca.
Así como lo leen, CR7 jugará en el Coloso de Santa Úrsula. pic.twitter.com/zAyHGcYh9E— FOX Sports MX (@FOXSportsMX) October 17, 2025
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against Mexico in Estadio Azteca's re-opening?
Perhaps the biggest headline surrounding the event is the expected presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who would be making his first-ever appearance in Mexico. Arriola indicated that the Portuguese superstar’s participation is part of the agreement with the Portuguese Football Federation and that, health permitting, Ronaldo will indeed take the field in Mexico City.
“I see Cristiano [Ronaldo] play every match that needs to be played,” Arriola said. “Of course, [it is part of the contract]; it is the Portugal national team. If Cristiano [Ronaldo] is available, he will play—and as we've all seen, Cristiano takes advantage of every match available.”
The Estadio Azteca, which has hosted legendary matches such as Pelé’s 1970 World Cup triumph and Diego Maradona’s iconic “Goal of the Century” in 1986, will once again take center stage as it hosts the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Portugal is still to qualify for the tournament next summer, needing only two of the remaining six points in Group F of UEFA's World Cup qualifying. Cristiano Ronaldo is their top-scorer with five goals in four matches.
