The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is considering whether to proceed with a friendly fixture in Mexico City amid safety concerns. Roberto Martinez’s squad is due to face Mexico in a friendly on 28 March.
The match is intended to commemorate the reopening of the legendary Estadio Azteca following refurbishment ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Mexico will stage 13 fixtures across the nation as one of the tournament’s three host countries alongside the USA and Canada. However, the FPF has expressed safety concerns ahead of their friendly next month. The situation arises from disturbances in some regions of Mexico following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho. He was killed during a Mexican military operation in the state of Jalisco on Sunday. His death sparked violent incidents in parts of Mexico, prompting the FPF to voice their worries about travelling to the country’s capital.
A statement issued on Tuesday read: “The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico, in the context of the National Team’s match scheduled for March 28th at the Azteca/Banorte Stadium, a match included in the preparation for the 2026 World Cup” The FPF stated the nation was honoured to participate in the stadium’s reopening. The statement continued: “However, recent developments require ongoing assessment of the conditions associated with the FPF delegation’s travel.
“In this context, the indications from the Portuguese Government are fundamental and crucial for monitoring the situation. Any decision will be made as a result of ongoing monitoring, in close coordination with the Government and in line with the Mexican Football Federation, an entity with which the FPF maintains excellent institutional relations and regular contact.
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“The Portuguese Football Federation emphasises that the safety of players, coaching staff, and fans is its absolute priority, and this is the guiding criterion for all assessments and decisions regarding the holding of the match.
“The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and the Mexican Football Federation clarify that it is their mutual desire for the preparation match for the 2026 World Cup to take place in Mexico on March 28th. As of now, the date and location of the match remain unchanged.”
El Mencho headed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). However, the 59-year-old’s death had not triggered any associated incidents in Mexico City at the time of the FPF’s announcement.
Clara Brugada Molina, the head of government in Mexico City, said of the situation: “On Sunday, here in Mexico City, calm, tranquillity and public order were guaranteed.
“We reiterate that our city is prepared to host the World Cup, and this is very important. It means welcoming millions of visitors who will come to our city, to our country, but, in our case, to the city, especially international visitors.”
This sentiment was mirrored by the city’s secretary of citizen security, Pablo Vazquez Camacho: “We are prepared; there is preparation, there is planning, there is a great deal of coordination, and I say, without fear of being wrong, that Mexico City has an exceptional situation in terms of institutional capacity to guarantee the security of the World Cup and the events leading up to this sporting event.”