Portugal’s planned friendly against Mexico on March 28th is now in doubt as the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) closely monitors a volatile security situation in Mexico. The potential match, intended to inaugurate the renovated Estadio Banorte, is under review as concerns mount over the safety of players and staff.
Security Concerns Prompt Evaluation
The FPF released a statement on Tuesday acknowledging the “delicate situation” unfolding in Mexico following recent security alerts across more than 20 states. These alerts were triggered by the capture of an individual linked to organized crime, prompting a reassessment of the trip for the Portuguese national team.
“The recent evolution of events requires a continuous evaluation of the conditions associated with the travel of the FPF delegation,” the statement read. The federation initially expressed honor at being invited to participate in the stadium’s reopening but emphasized that player and staff safety is now the paramount concern.
Coordination with Mexican Authorities
The FPF is in close communication with the Portuguese government and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) to determine the best course of action. Any final decision will be made in coordination with both entities, according to the statement. The FMF has not yet issued a public response to the FPF’s concerns.
Official highlights of the match preparations and potential impact were shared in the clip below:
Potential Full-Strength Squad in Question
Prior to the security concerns, reports indicated that Portugal coach Roberto Martínez intended to bring a full-strength squad to Mexico, including stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Neves, Rafael Leão, Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, João Félix, and Gonçalo Ramos. The team was expected to utilize a squad largely mirroring the 26 players planned for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The FPF reiterated that the security of players, coaching staff, and fans is their “absolute priority” and will be the guiding principle in all decisions regarding the match.
“The Portuguese Football Federation stresses that the safety of the players, the technical team, the staff and the fans is its absolute priority, being this the guiding criterion of all evaluations and decisions relating to the holding of the match,” the statement concluded.
