Mexico 0-0 Portugal - Chances hard to come by at Estadio Azteca | OneFootball

Portugal's preparations for the 2026 World Cup began with an uninspiring 0-0 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.

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.

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.

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.

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’)