Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Getting their World Cup preparations underway in the early hours of Sunday, Portugal will travel to the Estadio Azteca when they meet Mexico.

Mexico

Starting with the hosts, crowned Gold Cup champions last summer as they secured a 2-1 victory against the United States, Mexico get their World Cup adventure underway in a few months with their sights set on mounting a genuine knockout stage charge. Officially getting their pre-tournament preparations underway last month, Javier Aguirre’s side have opened 2026 in the midst of an eye-catching flurry. Last seen putting in a dominant display as they stormed their way to an empathic 4-0 romp against Iceland, El Tricolor will be confident of asking some questions here. Getting the New Year underway with consecutive 1-0 victories against Panama and Bolivia, Mexico have secured three straight wins for the first time since their Gold Cup success last summer.

Mexico Team News

Undergoing surgery on an ankle injury last month, influential skipper Edson Alvarez has not been included in Mexico’s squad and will not play any part. Likewise, in what was a real shock ommision this month, former Napoli ace Hirving Lozano has missed out.

However, looking set to shatter a string of records this summer, veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa looks set to start between the sticks. Notching nine Premier League goals for Fulham this season, Raul Jimenez will feature here.

Portugal

As for the visitors, storming their way to this summer’s World Cup and not really having to get out of third gear, Portugal travel over to North America with plenty of expectations on their shoulders. Last seen signing off their qualifying adventure with a 9-1 romp at home against Armenia, Roberto Martinez’s side have rightfully received plenty of plaudits from across the globe. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their six qualifying showdowns, the ex-Belgium boss also has a superstar squad at his disposal. Officially getting their World Cup qualifying adventure underway in the early hours of Sunday, the former European champions will be confident of making an early statement on foreign soil.

Portugal Team News

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo will not play any part in Mexico this weekend. However, receiving a maiden senior international call-up this month, West Ham midfielder Mathues Fernandes could earn a first cap in the early hours of Sunday.

With Martinez expected to test a number of his fringe superstars over the next week, Portugal will be looking to make a string of alterations. Manchester United superstar Bruno Fernandes should feature and looks set to earn an 86th international cap here.

Mexico vs Portugal Key Factors to Consider

• Portugal are unbeaten in their four historic meetings against Mexico (three wins, one draw).
• Martinez’s side have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous five appearances.
• The former European champions have failed to register consecutive clean sheets across any competition since July 2024.
• Mexico have won their first three appearances of 2026 by an aggregate score of 6-0.
• Three of the four historic meetings between Mexico and Portugal have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Portugal might officially get their World Cup preparations underway this weekend, the former European champions could face a rugged test on foreign soil. Watching Mexico win each of their first three showdowns of 2026 by an aggregate score of 6-0, Sunday’s hosts will be confident of asking some potential questions at the Estadio Azteca. With Martinez expected to hand his fringe superstars a chance to impress, we could be set for an enjoyable battle here.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster