Worsening Situation in Mexico: Portugal National Team Considering Cancelling Friendly Match
The Portuguese national team is considering cancelling their friendly match against Mexico in March 2025 due to security reasons.
The situation in Mexico is currently volatile due to unrest and the death of one of the leaders of the drug cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho.
This situation has reportedly led the Portuguese national team to consider cancelling the friendly match against Mexico in March 2026.
The Mexico vs. Portugal match was originally scheduled to mark the opening of the renovated Estadio Azteca for the 2026 World Cup and was to be held on March 28, 2026.
Mexico, one of the host countries for the 2026 World Cup along with the United States and Canada, will host 13 matches, including the opening match against South Africa.
As is known, El Mencho died in a security operation supported by the United States in the Jalisco region on Sunday (February 22, 2026).
The FPF is now expressing its concerns about the upcoming match as the security situation worsens in several regions of Mexico as part of the cartel’s retaliation against the government.
“The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is closely monitoring the difficult situation that is currently happening in Mexico,” the FPF wrote in its official statement as reported by the Mirror.
“This is being considered in the context of the National Team match scheduled for March 28 at the Azteca/Banorte Stadium, a match that is part of the preparation for the 2026 World Cup,” it added.
However, the FPF is still awaiting advice from the Portuguese government, which is reportedly coordinating directly with the Mexican government and the Mexican Football Federation.
“Every decision will be made based on ongoing monitoring, in close coordination with the Government and in line with the Mexican Football Federation, an entity with which the FPF has very good institutional relations and regular contact,” it added.
Coordination is needed to ensure the safety of the players and coaching staff of the Portuguese National Team in the match against Mexico.
As is known, the Portuguese National Team is one of the candidates to win the 2026 World Cup and is coached by Roberto Martinez.
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