This was far from a routine friendly. Saturday’s meeting between México and Portugal carried real significance — enough to make it one of the most-watched international fixtures of the entire March 2026 FIFA window, both in the United States and across the globe.
For starters, the game marked the official reopening of the iconic Estadio Azteca — known as Estadio Banorte for club football, but set to be called Estadio Ciudad de México during the 2026 World Cup. The ground spent close to two years under renovation to meet FIFA’s strict infrastructure requirements. When the doors finally opened again, 87,523 fans were there to witness it — a fitting return for a stadium that has hosted two World Cup finals.
Beyond the venue, this match served as serious World Cup preparation for both sides. México, as one of the three co-host nations alongside the USA and Canada, skipped the qualifying process entirely. That makes high-quality friendlies like this one absolutely vital for coach Javier Aguirre, who needs game time to build team chemistry, try out different lineups, and lock down his best starting eleven before the tournament begins this summer. Portugal, meanwhile, had to navigate this international window without Cristiano Ronaldo, who picked up a hamstring injury in late February during a club match for Al Nassr.
Even without Ronaldo, coach Roberto Martinez named a strong squad, with Bruno Fernandes, João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos, and Rúben Neves all starting. The talent gap between these two nations was not as wide as some expected — and México made sure Portugal knew it from the very first minute.
México vs Portugal Halftime Score & First Half Recap
The score at halftime between México and Portugal was 0-0 — and it was a fair reflection of how the first 45 minutes played out. Portugal dominated possession from the opening kick-off, moving the ball around patiently and probing for openings in México’s compact defensive shape. El Tri, for their part, stayed disciplined and made it as difficult as possible for the Portuguese attackers to find any real rhythm in dangerous areas.
Portugal’s Best Chance: Ramos Hits the Post
The most memorable moment of the first half came when Gonçalo Ramos drove a well-struck shot that crashed against the post, leaving the Azteca crowd briefly silent before breathing a collective sigh of relief. It was comfortably Portugal’s clearest opportunity of the opening period. Bruno Fernandes was active throughout, constantly looking to play quick combinations and create space — but Israel Reyes and César Montes held firm at the back for México, denying him anything close to a clean chance on goal.
México’s Response: Jiménez Tests the Keeper
México were not content to just defend and hope. Raúl Jiménez, who has been in strong form in the Premier League with Fulham this season, tested Portugal’s goalkeeper Rui Silva with a long-range effort that the keeper dealt with relatively comfortably. It was a reminder that El Tri carry a goal threat, even if their attacking play was not quite clicking in the way Aguirre would have liked. Both sides went into the break level, with plenty still to play for.
39%
México Possession
61%
Portugal Possession
92%
Portugal Pass Accuracy
Main Moments & Goals — Second Half Highlights
Portugal came out of the dressing room with a completely new look. Roberto Martinez made five changes at the break, bringing on Vitinha, Tomás Araújo, Pedro Neto, João Cancelo, and Gonçalo Guedes — giving fresh legs to almost every area of the pitch. México also made their own adjustments, with German Berterame, Richard Ledezma, and Erick Sánchez all coming on to add energy going forward.
The second half was noticeably more physical and intense than the first. Challenges became heavier, the tempo picked up, and emotions ran high on a couple of occasions. Yellow cards were issued to Jesús Gallardo for México and Pedro Neto for Portugal after a confrontation that got both benches up off their seats. For anyone in the United States following the México vs Portugal live score updates that night, this was the kind of game that never really felt like a friendly — and honestly, that is exactly what both coaching staffs would have wanted.
22
Ramos hits the post — Gonçalo Ramos connects cleanly but his effort rattles the woodwork. Portugal’s best opportunity of the entire match.
45
Halftime — 0-0. Portugal have had more of the ball, but México have defended with real discipline. Jiménez tested the keeper once for El Tri.
54
Portugal make five changes — Vitinha, Neto, Cancelo, Araújo, and Guedes all come on at the same time. A major reshaping of the Portuguese side.
71
Gallardo and Neto both booked — A flashpoint between the two players results in yellow cards. Things heat up as the match enters its final quarter.
82
Cancelo header goes wide — Portugal’s clearest second-half chance. João Cancelo gets up well from a Bruno Fernandes delivery but directs his header just past the post.
87
González wastes México’s best chance — A cross from the right picks out Armando González completely free at the far post, but his header drifts wide. A real let-off for Portugal.
90+4
Full Time — 0-0. The final whistle goes. México and Portugal walk away with a point each after a competitive and genuinely entertaining draw.
Match Stats Breakdown
39% Possession 61%
4 Shot Attempts 4
1 Shots on Goal 1
0 Corner Kicks 1
What the México – Portugal Result Means for Both Teams
A goalless draw in a pre-tournament friendly does not always tell you the whole story — and this one is no exception. Here is what both sides can genuinely take away from Saturday night at the Azteca.
For México — Defensive Confidence Ahead of a Home World Cup
This clean sheet extended México’s impressive defensive record — 10 shutouts in their last 15 matches. Holding a Portugal side that includes Bruno Fernandes and Gonçalo Ramos to zero goals over 90 minutes is a real achievement, and Javier Aguirre will feel good about the defensive foundation he is building ahead of a World Cup on home soil. Israel Reyes was the standout performer on the night and was a deserving Man of the Match.
The area for concern remains in attack. México managed just four shots across 90 minutes and could not take advantage of their best opportunity when it came late in the game. In Group A of the 2026 World Cup — alongside South Africa, South Korea, and a playoff qualifier — El Tri will need to be sharper and more clinical in front of goal than they have shown in recent friendlies.
For Portugal — Work to Do Without Ronaldo
Portugal bossed large portions of this game. They had 61% of the ball, completed passes at a 92% accuracy rate, and created the better chances overall — but none of it added up to a goal. In Roberto Martinez’s setup, the idea is to move the ball quickly enough to break down organized defenses. Against a determined and well-drilled México side, they simply could not find that decisive moment.
With Ronaldo unavailable and Gonçalo Ramos still developing his role as the first-choice central striker, Portugal’s forward line has questions to answer. They are placed in Group K alongside Uzbekistan, Colombia, and a playoff winner — a group they are expected to get through comfortably, but one that will still require goals when chances come their way.
Where to Watch México vs Portugal Highlights & Replay in the USA
Did not catch the match live? Or maybe you just want to relive some of those key moments? Here is where fans across the United States can find the México vs Portugal highlights and full replays:
Fubo TV
Full match replay and highlight packages available on demand for active subscribers
Univision / TUDN
Spanish-language coverage with extended highlights and analysis available via the TUDN app
ViX
Available on both free and premium tiers; highlight clips go up shortly after the final whistle
FOX Deportes
Official broadcast partner for this fixture; post-match analysis and top moments available on the platform
FAQ:
What was the México vs Portugal full-time result today?
México and Portugal finished level at 0-0 on March 28, 2026. The game took place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and was part of the March FIFA international window, with both teams using it as World Cup preparation ahead of this summer’s tournament.
What was the halftime score in México vs Portugal?
The score at halftime was 0-0. Portugal had the majority of possession in the opening 45 minutes and came closest to scoring when Gonçalo Ramos hit the post. México defended well throughout and created a decent opportunity of their own through Raúl Jiménez, who tested the Portuguese goalkeeper from distance.
Did Cristiano Ronaldo play in the México vs Portugal match?
No, Cristiano Ronaldo did not feature in this match. He was left out of Portugal’s squad by coach Roberto Martinez after picking up a hamstring injury on February 28 during a club game for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo also sat out Portugal’s other friendly during this international window, the match against the United States.
Where can I watch México vs Portugal live score updates and replays in the USA?
The match was broadcast in the United States on Fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, Univision, TUDN, FOX Deportes, and ViX. Full replays and extended highlights are available on those platforms now that the match has concluded. Free highlight clips can also be found on YouTube and across social media platforms including X and Instagram.
Which groups are México and Portugal in at the 2026 World Cup?
México has been drawn into Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face South Africa, South Korea, and a playoff qualifier. As a co-host nation, Mexico will open their campaign at the Estadio Azteca. Portugal is in Group K alongside Uzbekistan, Colombia, and the winner of an intercontinental playoff match between Jamaica and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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