Portugal's preparations for the 2026 World Cup began with an uninspiring goalless draw in Mexico.
The hosts' high energy approach dominated the opening stages at Estadio Azteca, Portugal getting into the game with João Félix missing the top corner.
Javier Aguirre's side created a dangerous opportunity in the 16th minute when Brian Gutiérrez released Álvaro Fidalgo.
António Silva and Renato Veiga were out of the picture, Samu Costa recovering to make a crucial challenge in his first start for the national team.
The Seleção went close following Bruno Fernandes’ challenge on Obed Vargas.
Francisco Conceição and Fernandes combined to find Gonçalo Ramos who had little time to react, the striker hitting the post.
Goncalo Ramos mandando el balón al poste.
— Fernando Esquivel (@fer_esquivel22) March 29, 2026
Qué cerca se quedó Portugal del 0-1... pic.twitter.com/3co5f7ng9b
Vargas fired wide and Israel Reyes’ shot was saved Rui Silva, the final chance of the half seeing Costa sting the hands of José Rangel.
Roberto Martínez made seven changes at the break with Matheus Nunes, António Silva, Nuno Mendes, Rúben Neves, Samu Costa, João Félix and Francisco Conceição replaced by Diogo Dalot, Tomás Araújo, João Cancelo, João Neves, Vitinha, Pedro Neto and Gonçalo Guedes.
Fernandes missed the target before Neto and Jesús Gallardo got into a heated exchange, both players booked. Renato Veiga then headed Fernandes’ free kick over the bar.
Mientras tanto, en el amistoso entre México y Portugal.
— GRADA B pro (@GradaBpro) March 29, 2026
pic.twitter.com/Lpa1n9Bzis
Paulinho entered the fray for Gonçalo Ramos, the Toluca striker receiving an encouraging ovation from the majority of the 84.130 in attendance.
Portugal dodged a bullet in the 80th minute when Mexico fashioned their best chance of the game. Julián Quiñones’ cross to the back post picked out Armando González, the in-form forward heading wide from close range.
El flamante mejor delantero de LIGA MX según los fans de las perras con cuernos. LAMENTABLE fallar así de claro, en el mundial esas no se pueden fallar. Berterame la clavaba… ay Hormiga González JAJAJAJAJ #MiSelecciónAzteca #mexico #portugal #hormiga pic.twitter.com/g2YrgoYzff
— Doc Sanchez (@Doc_sanchezz) March 29, 2026
Portuguese supporters who stayed up into the early hours of the morning might wish they remained in bed, but it was a useful opportunity for Roberto Martínez.
Matheus Nunes performed well at right-back and there was a noticeable improvement when Vitinha and João Neves were introduced in the second half.
The manager will have another opportunity in three days when Portugal take on the United States in Atlanta.
Martínez satisfied
Roberto Martínez spoke about the match, Javier Aguirre's side, Vitinha and Paulinho: "I'm satisfied with these five days of preparation we had and with the result achieved against a strong opponent at altitude."
"It was a demanding game. From our point of view, it was interesting to see if a team that made seven substitutions at halftime could stick to the game plan. From what I saw, I liked it."
"It was a very competitive game, with good and beautiful tactical aspects. It wasn't so good for the fans, because the ball didn't go in, but many conclusions were drawn that will help both teams grow."
"We respect and give great credit to what Javier Aguirre has done with the Mexican national team, which is very organized, competitive, and plays like a club."
"Therefore, they didn't surprise us. It took us 20 minutes to find passing lanes and spaces, something that happens when the national team gets together in March after five months."
The manager mentioned Vitinha's role in the team: "He's an excellent player who knows how to defend, execute plays, and take the game where we need it to go."
"It was important to see if Portugal could control the game and reach the final third without him. I'm very happy about that, but Vitinha is a key player for Portugal in those moments."
Martínez discussed Paulinho's first Seleção appearance since November 2020: "What he brings to the national team didn't surprise me. What surprised me was his ability to quickly understand the group and how he integrated into the locker room. In any national team in the world, he would be (a potential starter)."
"The problem is that ahead of him in that position is Cristiano Ronaldo, who is probably the best Portuguese player of all time, and Gonçalo Ramos, who won the Champions League."
"It was great to work with him and he showed that he's in the best moment of his career. He's a very intelligent player who creates space with his movements."
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Lineup
Portugal (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva, Matheus Nunes (Diogo Dalot 46’), António Silva (Tomás Araújo 46’), Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes (João Cancelo 46’); Ruben Neves (João Neves 46’), Samuel Costa (Vitinha 46’); Francisco Conceição (Pedro Neto 46’), Bruno Fernandes (Trincão 81’), João Félix (Gonçalo Guedes 46’); Gonçalo Ramos (Paulinho 64’)
Unused substitutes: Ricardo Velho, José Sá, Gonçalo Inácio, Pedro Gonçalves, Ricardo Horta
Coach: Roberto Martínez
