• Portugal have lost just two of their last 18 games inside 90 minutes

• Mexico have conceded just three first half goals in 16 games

• Recommended bet: Tie/Portugal - Half Time/Full Time

Just over two months out from the 2026 World Cup curtain-raiser at the same venue, Mexico and Portugal meet in the revamped Estadio Banorte in Mexico City.

To the purists, it will always be the Azteca and, come June, it will make history in hosting a World Cup opening game for the third time.

Now the redeveloped venue opens for the first time in a glamour friendly that was supposed to have Cristiano Ronaldo as the headline act before injury ruled him out and his Portuguese team-mates may need some patience before registering a victory.

The latest Mexico vs Portugal odds are available on LiveScore Bet

Team news

Ronaldo's absence is the big story, with reports circulating on social media suggest Mexican supporters are planning to chant his name in the seventh minute by way of tribute to the 41-year-old global phenomenon.

Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Joao Palhinha join him on the list of Portuguese absentees.

At the age of 33, striker Paulinho is back in the squad for the first time in five years, while West Ham's Mateus Fernandes is in contention to make his senior international debut after earning his first call-up.

The hosts are without Edson Alvarez, Marcel Ruiz and 17-year-old Gilberto Mora – each of that trio started last summer's Gold Cup final win over the United States – Mexico's most recent competitive game.

Hirving Lozano and Julian Araujo are also missing from Javier Aguirre's squad, though Spanish-born midfielder Alvaro Fidalgo could make his international debut for Mexico.

The stats

Portugal have not lost any of the five previous meetings with Mexico, with both teams scoring in three of those games.

Mexico have conceded just three first-half goals in their last 16 games.

Seven of Portugal's previous nine games have featured over 2.5 goals and the Selecao have managed just one clean sheet in their last five games.

Mexico started 2026 with a pair of low-key 1-0 wins over Panama and Bolivia, sbut they beat Iceland 4-0 last time out.

Raul Jimenez has scored seven goal in his last 11 friendly appearances for Mexico.

The latest Mexico vs Portugal odds are available on LiveScore Bet

Prediction

Ronaldo's absence from this clash in Mexico City may have taken some of the shine off the occasion, but it could allow Robert Martinez a good glimpse of what is possible for his Portugal side without their erstwhile superstar.

Now 41, anyone who has watched Portugal recently would not struggle to conclude that Ronaldo's constant inclusion is bordering on indulgence, with Martinez seemingly reticent to withdraw him.

His presence has sometimes appeared to stifle Bruno Fernandes too, so it is going to be interesting to see what transpires here.

Four of Mexico's last five games were scoreless at half-time and they have conceded just three first-half goals in 16 games.

Portugal should dominate possession, but they may take time to break down the hosts, so a half-time stalemate that leads to a Portuguese wins appeals much more than taking odds of 3/4 with LiveScore Bet on the away side for victory.

Back Tie/Portugal - Half Time/Full Time at 18/5 with LiveScore Bet