Does Cristiano Ronaldo play today? Where to watch Mexico x Portgual today in a preparatory test for the 2026 World Cup

México and Portugal face each other this Saturday in an international friendly at Estádio Azteca, at Cidade at México. The game serves as preparation for the Copa of the Mundo of 2026, with Mexico already classified as the host country. Portugal guaranteed a direct place in the European qualifiers. The match marks the reopening of the stadium after renovations.

Cristiano Ronaldo is not playing today. The striker was not called up for the friendly due to an injury to the hamstring of his right thigh suffered in February. Ele is still in the recovery process and is not part of the Roberto Martínez list. The absence confirms that the Portuguese captain is left out of the likely lineup.

The live broadcast takes place on SporTV on closed TV and on Globoplay on streaming. The time is 10pm in the Brasília time zone, which corresponds to 7pm in the local time of Cidade of México. The channels guarantee complete coverage of the confrontation.

• Mexico comes from three consecutive victories in friendlies.
• Portugal tests options without several main names.
• The duel takes place in the legendary renovated Estádio Azteca.

Call-ups and surprises on the Mexican side

Coach Javier Aguirre called up veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who could play his sixth Copa from Mundo. Midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo, a naturalized Mexican, is also part of the relationship as one of the new additions. Ambos tend to start as bench options.

The Mexican team seeks to maintain the good moment. Recent victories against Panamá, Bolívia and Islândia show offensive evolution. The home team intends to use the support of the fans at Azteca to impose pace against the Europeans.

Confirmed absences in the Portuguese team

Roberto Martínez left out Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva due to load management, aiming to avoid injuries after an intense sequence in Manchester City. Cristiano Ronaldo remains out due to a muscle injury and was not even listed. Essas decisions preserve the squad for future commitments.

Portugal still has depth in its squad. The coach uses the friendly to test different combinations in midfield and attack. The European team arrives with a focus on tactical adjustments even without the main name.

Probable lineups before final definition

México must line up with Rangel in goal, Ledezma, Reyes, López and Gallardo in defense. In midfield, Lira, Alvarado, Erick Sánchez, Gutiérrez and Rodríguez play, with González up front. The scheme allows variations depending on the final choices of Aguirre.

Portugal’s likely formation is Diogo Costa in goal, with Matheus Nunes, António Silva, Renato Veiga and João Cancelo in defense. The mid-terrain has João Neves, Rúben Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes. Rafael Leão and Gonçalo Ramos appear in the attack. The confirmed lineup has not yet been officially announced.

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Tactical details and momentum of the two teams

México takes advantage of the confrontation to improve the team against a strong European team. The 4-0 victory over Islândia in the last match demonstrates offensive power. The team seeks to impose a presence in midfield and exploit local support.

Portugal demonstrates depth even with absences. The 9-0 defeat against Armênia in the qualifiers reinforces the group’s potential. The Portuguese intend to maintain a solid standard of play and observe alternatives in different sectors.

Focus on preparing for the Mundial of 2026

Both teams use the friendly to correct details before Copa. México, as hosts, gets the opportunity to play on the renovated main stage. The technical committee evaluates options for the group stage.

Portugal maintains a competitive pace after a calm classification. Martínez tests the team without some regular starters. The confrontation offers a relevant test against the South American style of play.

Broadcast and practical information about the confrontation

Confirmed channels cover all aspects of the game. SporTV broadcasts live on pay television and Globoplay allows digital access. Detalhes about the definitive lineups must be announced hours before the starting whistle.

Estádio Azteca welcomes the public after the construction period. The expectation is for a good presence of Mexican fans for the reunion with the team. The friendly is part of the preparation schedule for the two classified teams.

Mexico and Portugal finalize last-minute adjustments before taking the field. The duel promises technical balance and serves to observe players in an international context. The teams seek to evolve specific aspects of the collective game.