The coach of the Mexican National Team, Javier Aguirre, assured that the friendly match between Mexico and Portugal scheduled for March 28th at the Azteca Stadium is still on, despite the perception of insecurity that has generated concern in the country following the recent acts of violence in Jalisco.

The match is part of the March FIFA window and is key in the preparation for the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that will be hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Aguirre rules out cancellation of Mexico vs. Portugal

The coach was clear in stating that he does not foresee any changes to the match against the European team.

“It doesn't create any uncertainty for me. It's normal that they have the right to evaluate the circumstances, but I'm planning for that match next month during the FIFA window with my players who play abroad. I think the match against Portugal will take place without any problems,” Aguirre stated.

“The people from the (Mexican Football) Federation assure me that there is security for all of us,” the coach added.

The 'Vasco's' statements come after the statement issued by the Portuguese Football Federation, which expressed that it is monitoring the security situation in Mexico Following the events in Jalisco.

Portugal's official stance on the friendly match

The Portuguese Football Federation expressed its position through an official statement, emphasizing that safety is its absolute priority.

“The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is closely monitoring the delicate situation in Mexico, in the context of the national team's match scheduled for March 28 at the Azteca Stadium, a preparation match for the 2026 World Cup,” the institution wrote.

“The Portuguese Football Federation emphasizes that the safety of the players,coaching staff, and fans is its absolute priority, “This being the guiding principle for all evaluations and decisions regarding the holding of the match,” the FPF concluded in its statement. The statement generated concern among fans, but did not imply an official cancellation or modification of the match. FMF confirms: no changes for March 28th. Hours later, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) clarified on social media that the friendly match remains on date and at venue. “The Mexican Football Federation and the Portuguese Football Federation clarify that it is their mutual desire for the 2026 World Cup preparation match to be held in Mexico on March 28th.” "As of now, the date and location of the match remain unchanged," was the message from the Mexican Football Federation (FMF). Thus, Estadio Azteca remains the confirmed venue for the international match. The Mexican National Team (El Tri) is focused on its preparation for the 2026 World Cup. In the press conference prior to the friendly match against Iceland at Estadio La Corregidora in Queretaro, Javier Aguirre reiterated that the team is focused on the sporting aspect. "I don't know what the image is outside the country. We Mexicans are sensitive to the current situation, but our responsibility is to play this match and continue preparing for the FIFA international break in March, and that's what I'm responsible for." “The people from the Federation assure me that there is security for all of us,” 'El Vasco' concluded. The friendly match against Portugal represents a high-level test for the Mexican National Team, which seeks to consolidate its project in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, where it will be one of the host countries.

“I don't know what the image is outside the country. We Mexicans are sensitive to the current situation, but our responsibility is to play this match and continue preparing for the FIFA dates in March, and that's what I'm focused on. The people at the Federation have assured me that there is security for all of us,” concluded 'El Vasco'.

The friendly against Portugal represents a high-level test for the Mexican National Team, which seeks to consolidate its project in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, where it will be one of the host countries.