Concern is mounting in Portugal over the status of Mexico City’s historic Estadio Azteca, recently rebranded as Estadio Banorte, as renovation work continues less than two months before a scheduled friendly against Mexico.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, members of the Portuguese national team’s coaching staff and federation officials are uneasy about whether the stadium will meet required safety and logistical standards in time for the March 28 match. The report suggests delays could, in a worst-case scenario, prompt FIFA to reconsider not only the friendly but potentially other World Cup-related fixtures if key construction phases are not completed on schedule.
The match is expected to draw global attention, particularly with the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo featuring in what would be his first appearance in Mexico.
Renovation delays acknowledged
Amid the speculation, Emilio Azcárraga acknowledged setbacks in the remodeling process but attempted to calm fears about the March fixture. “There are many things that, due to the complexity of the project, cannot be completed now. That’s why they will be finished after the World Cup,” he admitted, while assuring that the first phase of renovations would be ready before Portugal’s visit.
No changes at the moment
So far, neither FIFA nor stadium officials have announced any changes to the venue. The Mexico vs. Portugal friendly remains on the calendar, as does the 2026 World Cup opener scheduled for the same stadium.
Alternate venues considered
Alternative venues have entered the conversation. Options such as Estadio Akron, Estadio BBVA, and Estadio Olímpico Universitario have been mentioned as potential backups should construction deadlines not be met.
With ticket demand already soaring and international attention fixed on the venue’s progress, the coming weeks will determine whether Mexico’s most iconic stadium is ready to deliver - or whether organizers will be forced into a last-minute adjustment.
