International friendly action returns on Saturday, March 28, 2026, as Mexico national football team will host the Portugal national football team at the newly renovated Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. The match will serve as a symbolic reopening of the historic stadium ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That makes it more than a routine friendly for the co-hosts.
Mexico are entering the clash riding momentum after three consecutive wins in early-2026 friendlies. While Portugal arrive as one of Europe’s strongest international sides under Roberto Martinez. However, the visitors will be without talisman Cristiano Ronaldo due to injury. That absence slightly shifts the narrative. But Portugal’s depth and recent scoring form still make them formidable opponents.
You can find more of our soccer predictions on our main picks hub. Here’s how we’re betting Mexico vs Portugal tonight, including our Best Bet, a Same-Game Parlay, and key trends to know.
Mexico vs Portugal Match Details
Competition: International Friendlies
Date & kickoff: Saturday, March 28, 2026 – 9:00 PM ET / 1:00 AM PM GT
Venue: Banorte Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico
Expected XIs: Mexico 4-3-3 vs Portugal 4-3-3
Best Bet for Mexico vs Portugal
Our best bet for Mexico vs Portugal is Both Teams to Score: Yes at -135 (BetMGM) / -126 (FanDuel).
Mexico have scored 12 goals across their last 10 matches while conceding 10. They’re averaging roughly 1.2 goals per game while allowing one per match. They have also generated close to 12 shots per match and maintained roughly 59% possession.
It indicates a proactive attacking style under Javier Aguirre. Portugal, meanwhile, remain one of Europe’s most potent international sides. In their last six matches, they have scored 15 goals (2.5 per game). But they have also allowed goals in every one of those fixtures.
They’ve produced a 5-of-6 BTTS trend. Even without Cristiano Ronaldo, attacking threats such as Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, and Pedro Neto provide creativity and finishing quality. Mexico also possess experienced scorers like Raul Jimenez and Orbelin Pineda capable of exploiting Portugal’s occasionally open defensive structure.
Mexico vs Portugal Prediction
Our pick: Portugal to Win at -125 (BetMGM) / -130 (FanDuel)
Portugal are entering this matchup as narrow favorites largely due to their superior overall squad depth and long-term consistency in international competitions. Over the past 20 months, the European side have lost just two of their previous 16 matches. They also claimed the UEFA Nations League title in 2025.
Even with Ronaldo absent, Portugal’s midfield remains among the most technically complete in international football. The trio of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Joao Neves offers elite ball progression and chance creation. It allows the team to sustain high attacking pressure. Mexico’s recent form is improving.
Especially after a 4-0 win against Iceland and consecutive 1-0 wins earlier this year. However, their defensive numbers suggest occasional vulnerability against elite attacking sides. They conceded around one goal per match across their last 10 games. In the past, Portugal also hold the upper hand in this fixture. They are also unbeaten in meetings with Mexico.
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Same-Game Parlay (Bet Builder) for Mexico vs Portugal
Total Goals Over 1.5 (-385) + Both Teams to Score: Yes (-126) + Portugal to Win (-130)
Portugal’s matches frequently produce multiple goals, with five of their last six fixtures clearing the 1.5-goal threshold while also featuring goals for both teams. Mexico’s recent matches show similar offensive involvement. Their last ten games average more than two total goals per match. It reflects a balance between attacking output and defensive concessions. Combining over 1.5 goals with both teams scoring captures the likely attacking exchanges between the two.
Portugal’s attacking output indicates strong scoring potential even without Ronaldo. They’ve scored 2.5 goals per game across their last six fixtures. Meanwhile, Mexico’s recent run of friendlies has included goals in four of their last five matches. It suggests that they can challenge Portugal’s defense. Especially with the support of a home crowd in Mexico City.
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Trends to Know for Mexico vs Portugal
Head-to-Head Edge: Portugal have historically dominated this matchup and remain unbeaten in their last meetings with Mexico.
Portugal Attacking Form: The European side have scored 15 goals across their last six matches, averaging 2.5 goals per game while producing frequent BTTS outcomes.
Mexico Recent Momentum: Mexico have rebounded from a six-game winless run by winning their last three friendlies, including a 4-0 win against Iceland.
Scoring Trends: Mexico have averaged 1.2 goals scored and 1.0 conceded across their last 10 matches, producing competitive and relatively balanced scorelines.
World Cup Context: With the Estadio Banorte reopening ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico are expected to treat this friendly seriously despite it not affecting tournament qualification.
Key Absence: Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury removes Portugal’s all-time top scorer from the lineup, potentially redistributing attacking responsibility among their midfield creators and secondary forwards.
How to watch – quick Q&A
What time is Mexico vs Portugal?
Mexico vs Portugal kicks off at 9:00 PM ET on Saturday, March 28, 2026 (1:00 AM PM local UK time).
Where is the match being played?
The match will be played at the Banorte Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico.
How can I watch on TV / stream?
Broadcast rights vary by territory. In the US, the match can be telecast on Fox Sports Network. The match will be telecast on ESPN Network in the UK. The match will also be available to stream on these broadcasters’ official websites.
Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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