Samu Costa has been confirmed as part of Portugal’s starting XI for their match against Mexico, taking place at Estadio Azteca on March 28, 2026. This match is crucial for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
Portugal’s lineup features a 4-3-3 formation, while Mexico has opted for a compact, possession-oriented structure. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo is sidelined due to a minor hamstring issue, as stated by coach Roberto Martinez, who reassured that the injury is not serious and Ronaldo could return in a week or two.
Portugal secured their place in the World Cup by topping their qualifying group with an impressive 13 points from six matches, including a dominant 9-1 victory against Armenia in their final qualifying match. In contrast, Mexico, as one of the host nations, did not participate in the World Cup qualifiers.
The match at Estadio Azteca, which has a current capacity of 87,000, will also serve as a significant preparation phase for both nations ahead of the World Cup. The stadium has undergone extensive renovations lasting over two years to meet FIFA standards for the tournament.
In their recent friendly, Mexico showcased their attacking prowess by scoring four goals against Iceland, indicating their readiness for the challenges ahead. The upcoming match against Portugal will be a test of their tactical approach and ability to compete against a strong European side.
Roberto Martinez also mentioned that Bernardo Silva’s absence from the match is a technical decision based on medical information provided by the player’s club. This highlights the strategic considerations that coaches must navigate as they finalize their lineups.
As both teams gear up for this encounter, the atmosphere at Estadio Azteca is expected to be electric, with fans eager to witness the clash of these two footballing nations.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups or strategies that either team may employ as they head into this important fixture.
