After a long period of planning, the friendly between Mexico and Portugal is finally here. Today, Saturday, March 28, at 9 p.m. (ET), it’s not just about the match, it also marks the reopening of the Estadio Banorte after its renovation in Mexico City.
But beyond the event itself, there is a detail that is beginning to stand out even before everything kicks off.
Mexico already had its first contact with the venue. The team trained and walked the pitch on Friday, March 27, in a closed-door session that allowed them to adjust to the grass, the space, and the stadium conditions. It was a simple but important step to arrive with more confidence.
Portugal, on the other hand, arrived in Mexico on Tuesday, March 24, and settled in the Riviera Maya, where they set up their base camp to prepare under conditions close to sea level. During those days, they trained normally, without leaving the area before making the trip to Mexico City.
Upon arriving in Santa Fe, one of the country’s most prestigious areas, the team went straight to the hotel. There were no stops or interactions with the fans who were already waiting there.
So, what’s the challenge?
Portugal comes from training at sea level, something that also reflects much of their country, where the average altitude is around 372 meters, about 1,220 feet. It’s a context where the body is used to more stable conditions in terms of physical effort.
Mexico, however, presents a different scenario. Mexico City sits at an average altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, which is around 7,349 feet.
That change is not minor. After training in the Riviera Maya, the team now faces a city where altitude can influence pace, breathing, and how the body responds to exertion. At times, it can be felt on the pitch, especially when the match demands sustained intensity.
It doesn’t mean this will decide the outcome, but it does represent a significant challenge.
In this way, both teams arrive at the same match, but with different paths. Mexico is already accustomed to the altitude, Portugal is just stepping into it.
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