Portugal's World Cup Warm-Up in Mexico City Under Threat Over Safety Fears
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is seriously contemplating whether to proceed with a crucial international friendly match against Mexico in Mexico City, scheduled for March 28. This fixture, intended as a key preparatory step ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is now shrouded in uncertainty due to escalating safety concerns.
Safety Concerns Prompt Match Review
Roberto Martinez's Portuguese side were set to face Mexico in a high-profile friendly that would also mark the grand reopening of the iconic Estadio Azteca stadium. The venue has undergone extensive renovations in anticipation of hosting matches during this summer's global tournament, where Mexico will serve as one of three host nations alongside the United States and Canada.
However, recent violent unrest in parts of Mexico has forced the FPF to reassess the viability of this fixture. The situation stems directly from the death of notorious cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho. The 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was killed during a Mexican military operation in Jalisco state on Sunday after resisting capture.
His death triggered violent scenes across multiple regions of Mexico, prompting the Portuguese federation to formally address their growing apprehensions about traveling to the country's capital for the scheduled match.
Official Statements and Ongoing Monitoring
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the FPF declared: "The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico, in the context of the National Team's match scheduled for March 28th at the Azteca/Banorte Stadium, a match included in the preparation for the 2026 World Cup."
The federation acknowledged the honour of participating in the stadium's reopening ceremony but emphasized that recent developments necessitate continuous assessment of travel conditions for their delegation. The statement further clarified that guidance from the Portuguese government will be fundamental and crucial for monitoring the evolving situation.
Any final decision regarding the match will result from ongoing monitoring, conducted in close coordination with both the Portuguese government and the Mexican Football Federation. The FPF maintains excellent institutional relations with their Mexican counterparts and remains in regular contact.
"The Portuguese Football Federation emphasizes that the safety of players, coaching staff, and fans is its absolute priority," the statement continued. "This is the guiding criterion for all assessments and decisions regarding the holding of the match."
Mutual Desire for Match to Proceed
Both football federations have expressed their mutual desire for the World Cup preparation match to take place as planned on March 28 in Mexico. As of the latest updates, the date and location remain officially unchanged, though the situation remains fluid.
Clara Brugada Molina, head of government for Mexico City, sought to reassure international visitors, stating: "On Sunday, here in Mexico City, calm, tranquillity and public order were guaranteed. We reiterate that our city is prepared to host the World Cup, and this is very important."
Her message was reinforced by Pablo Vazquez Camacho, the city's secretary of citizen security, who declared: "We are prepared; there is preparation, there is planning, there is a great deal of coordination, and I say, without fear of being wrong, that Mexico City has an exceptional situation in terms of institutional capacity to guarantee the security of the World Cup and the events leading up to this sporting event."
Authorities confirmed that at the time of the FPF's statement, El Mencho's death had not resulted in any related incidents within Mexico City itself. Nevertheless, the Portuguese federation continues to exercise caution, recognizing that player and staff safety must take precedence over all other considerations as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup tournament.
