Mexico confirms March friendlies against Portugal and Belgium, with an eye toward the 2026 World Cup
Mexico has officially announced two high-profile warm-up matches as part of its 2026 World Cup preparations. The team will meet Portugal on March 28 at the Estadio Banorte, recently renovated, and will then face Belgium on March 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Rumors had been swirling for weeks, and the official release confirms a marquee Portugal clash in Mexico City followed by a Belgium test in Chicago. Both opponents currently sit in FIFA’s Top 10 rankings and will serve as critical final preparations before Mexico’s 2026 World Cup campaign.
The national team’s Sporting Directorate stated: “Portugal and Belgium—two national teams within FIFA’s Top 10—will be the opponents for the March 2026 FIFA window.”
Ronaldo on Mexican soil?
The announcement has sparked excitement among fans, especially the possibility that Cristiano Ronaldo could feature in his first match on Mexican soil, should he be called up for the game. The event also marks a milestone for Estadio Banorte, which is undergoing a full modernization and will host Mexico’s first match at the venue since the renovation.
Estadio Banorte, located in Santa Úrsula, is undergoing upgrades in preparation for the World Cup. It will become the first stadium in history to host three World Cup openers (1970, 1986, and 2026).
Belgium in Chicago
Three days after the Mexico-Portugal clash, the team will take on Belgium—featuring stars like Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne—at Soldier Field in Chicago. The two nations have met seven times, with Mexico holding a slight edge: three wins, two draws, and two losses. Their most recent meeting dates back to 2017.
What comes next?
Beyond these two marquee friendlies, Mexico is expected to play a series of February warm-ups against Central American clubs. Only Liga MX players will be called up since March is not an official FIFA window, and these matches remain pending final confirmation.
