Portugal and Mexico have already got their spots secured within the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a match each groups will enter with excessive expectations. Within the months main as much as the occasion, Cristiano Ronaldo’s workforce might face Mexico in a pleasant, however talks stay sophisticated because of a scheduling challenge.
For weeks, experiences have prompt that Portugal might go to North America throughout the March worldwide break to play friendlies towards the United States and Mexico. The latter, nevertheless, is dependent upon either side agreeing on a vital scheduling element.
“There’s a negotiation happening, as a result of Mexico need the match to be performed at night time in prime time, whereas Portugal need the sport to air in Europe and are asking for a day or noon kickoff,” reported journalist Gibran Araige on TUDN, cited by Marca.
Mexico and Portugal are separated by the Atlantic Ocean, with roughly 5,400 miles between them. That distance creates a major time distinction of six hours. These logistical challenges — significantly discovering a kickoff time that satisfies either side — reportedly stay an impediment in finalizing the match.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martinez, Supervisor of Portugal.
If the pleasant is confirmed, the assembly between Mexico and Portugal would happen throughout the FIFA break in March, the final one earlier than the World Cup. The proposed date is Saturday, March 28, with Estadio Azteca because the potential venue. The enduring stadium will host the World Cup opener, a match involving Mexico.
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Portugal might additionally go to the US
No matter what occurs with the Mexico match, Portugal nonetheless have sturdy possibilities of touring to North America in March. Reviews point out {that a} pleasant towards the US is near being finalized, a match that may function preparation for each groups forward of the World Cup.
Throughout that very same March worldwide break, hypothesis means that Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates might face Christian Pulisic’s workforce in Atlanta. If confirmed, it might mark CR7’s first match on American soil in 12 years.
Cristiano Ronaldo towards Mexico and the US
These potential friendlies for Portugal in March 2026 would give Mexico and the US a possibility to measure themselves towards a prime European opponent. They’d additionally provide the uncommon likelihood to face Cristiano Ronaldo — one thing that has occurred solely a few occasions.
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Ronaldo has performed only one match towards the US in his profession: a 2–2 draw within the group stage of the 2014 World Cup, the place he delivered an help. Towards Mexico, the situation is almost equivalent: his solely assembly with El Tri got here within the 2017 Confederations Cup, a 2–2 draw during which the Portuguese ahead additionally offered an help.
