Simply months earlier than the 2026 World Cup kicks off in North America, followers may very well be handled to a dream pleasant: Santiago Gimenez’s Mexico probably taking over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. In accordance with a number of studies, Mexico is finalizing plans for a blockbuster match in the course of the March worldwide window — one that might set the tone for El Tri’s preparation for the event.
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 considered one of their most historic venues.
Portugal, recent off their UEFA Nations League triumph, stays considered one of Europe’s most revered footballing powers. The stakes are excessive for Mexico, which underneath 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 accordance 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 because the summer season of 2024 to organize for changing into the primary stadium in historical past to host three completely different World Cups.
“A large renovation undertaking has been underway… El Tri need to mark the special day with a sport towards a formidable opponent,” Medrano reported. For hundreds of thousands of followers, this shall be a historic second — the possibility to see Ronaldo, considered one of 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 offered 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 event 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 dwelling supporters get to witness Ronaldo reside — a dream situation for a rustic with a passionate Actual Madrid and CR7 fanbase.
