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Alejandro Orellana

‘I’d say it’s practically done’ - Mexico in talks to face Portugal in Estadio Azteca reopening, says FMF president Mikel Arriola

Mexican Football Federation president Mikel Arriola says El Tri are aiming to face Portugal in the long-awaited reopening of Estadio Azteca, with only a few technical details left to finalize. He also confirmed plans to take the national team to Central America as part of its 2026 World Cup preparations. Mexico have already faced opponents from Asia and South America in their buildup.

  • Portugal v Hungary - FIFA World Cup 2026 QualifierGetty Images Sport

    Portugal matchup only pending final details

    According to Arriola, the agreement with Portugal is close, and the FMF President insisted the chances of seeing Cristiano Ronaldo on the field are high. 

    “Most likely, it will be Portugal. We’re just working out the final details, but I’d say it’s practically done. I see Cristiano as a player who always wants to compete, and that’s part of the deal. If he’s fit, he’ll play,” Arriola said. 

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    'The plan is to schedule ‘Triple-A’ matches'

    Arriola also explained that head coach Javier Aguirre has requested to play upcoming friendlies in Central America early next year.

     “Javier asked us to go to Central America - to play away, to face tough environments, both from rival teams and from fans, with challenging travel, hotels, and even serenades outside the rooms. That’s the kind of experience he wants for the players, and that’s what we’re working on,” he said.

    Facing top-level opponents remains a core part of Mexico’s strategic plan toward the 2026 World Cup. 

    “The plan is to schedule ‘Triple-A’ matches. We’ve already played against Japan and other Asian teams, and we’re finalizing four more games against South American opposition. Javier is identifying the right player profiles, and our goal is to maximize results,” he said. 

  • Mexico v Ecuador - International FriendlyGetty Images Sport

    Arriola expresses full support for Aguirre

    Despite recent criticism of the team’s performances, Arriola voiced his full support for Aguirre’s project. 

    “What’s Javier doing? He’s searching - looking for the right profiles. He’s analyzing which players respond well to different circumstances. There’s now a strong sense of unity between the federation, the coaching staff, and the players, all focused on making sure Mexico has a great World Cup,” he said.

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    'Roughly double what any other national team will get'

    The FMF’s preparation plan is one of the most ambitious in recent memory, with Mexico expected to play around 15 friendly matches in total - twice as many as most national teams will have before 2026. 

    “Our commitment is to make the most of every opportunity. Including the matches we’ve already played, we’ll reach about 15 friendlies, which is roughly double what any other national team will get. Plus, with clubs agreeing to release players earlier, we’ll have around five to six full weeks to work with the squad before the tournament,” Arriola said.