In Mexico City, giant screens have been set up for fans to follow every minute of what could be a sporting feat or tragedy. If you want to find out if El Tri finally breaks its worst streak, the match is scheduled to start at 19:00. On Saturday, March 28, the Mexican team faces its ultimate test before the start of the 2026 World Cup. The iconic Estadio Banorte, also referred to in chronicles as the Colossus of Santa Úrsula, reopens its doors to host the powerful Portuguese team in a duel that has set off all alarms due to the Mexican team's terrible record against the Europeans. The statistics are truly brutal for national fans: in five historical encounters, Mexico has never managed to beat the Portuguese, accumulating three defeats and two draws. However, the controversy is not limited to sports; recently, Gabriel Caballero fueled the debate on social networks by publicly demanding that naturalized players in El Tri be judged by the same standards and expectations as those born in Mexican territory. Even the betting market reflects skepticism about a possible 'Tricolor' victory, with odds placing Portugal as the big favorite to win this reopening night. This international match represents Javier Aguirre's final strategic rehearsal before facing South Africa in the much-anticipated World Cup opening, which is why the coach would present a lineup very similar to the one he will use in the official tournament. Will 'Vasco' avoid humiliation in his own backyard or will Lusitanian dominance be confirmed?
