As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, national teams are finalizing their preparation schedules. Among those matches is a high-profile friendly set for March 28 between Portugal and Mexico – a clash intended to celebrate the reopening of the iconic Estadio Banorte, formerly known as Estadio Azteca.
However, rising concerns over security conditions in Mexico have cast doubt on whether the fixture will go ahead as planned, with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) publicly assessing the situation and its implications.
In a statement issued amid recent incidents of violence following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes – widely known as “El Mencho,” a cartel leader – the FPF acknowledged it is closely monitoring developments and reevaluating the conditions surrounding the travel of its delegation to Mexico.
The federation emphasized that the evolving context requires continuous assessment before making a final decision about the trip and the match itself.
“The safety of players, coaching staff, personnel and supporters is our absolute priority,” the FPF said, underscoring that security considerations will be the primary criteria in any determination about whether the match proceeds.
While this does not confirm a cancellation, it does underline the seriousness with which Portugal is treating the situation.
Security concerns vs. sporting priorities
The backdrop to Portugal’s reassessment isn’t just local unrest but broader concerns tied to organized crime and public safety. Multiple sources report that emergency alerts were activated in over 20 Mexican states as violence erupted in the wake of “El Mencho”‘s death.
These disruptions included incidents such as road blockades, fires and disruptions to air travel, adding complexity to the logistical environment leading up to the friendly.
While the World Cup itself is still months away and governing bodies have stressed confidence in security arrangements for the tournament’s matches, the immediacy of the current situation has prompted Portugal to proceed with caution.
The match against Mexico holds significance beyond being another friendly. It is slated to mark the reopening of one of football’s most historic venues and to provide both teams with valuable competitive minutes ahead of the World Cup.
For Portugal, which is expected to travel with its top talent – including veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo – the game also represents an opportunity to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion against strong opposition.
At the present time, both sides continue to express a desire for the friendly to proceed. Mexican officials have highlighted the importance of the match and affirmed their confidence in safety guarantees, while Portuguese officials are relying on updated security assessments before committing to travel plans.
In a period marked by heightened sensitivity around international fixtures, the Portugal-Mexico friendly has become more than a warm-up. It is now a test of how football navigates security concerns in the lead-up to the sport’s most prestigious event.
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