aAfter a long period of planning, the friendly match between Mexico and Portugal will finally take place. Today, Saturday, March 28th at 9pm ET, marks not only the game, but also the reopening of Mexico City’s Estadio Banorte after renovations.
But beyond the event itself, there are details that are starting to stand out even before it all begins.
Mexico had already made first contact with the venue. The team practiced behind closed doors on Friday, March 27, allowing them to walk the pitch and adapt to the conditions of the grass, space and stadium. This was a simple but important step to arrive more confident.
Meanwhile, Portugal arrived in Mexico on Tuesday, March 24, and settled in the Riviera Maya, setting up a base camp for preparations in near-sea conditions. At the time, they trained as usual without leaving the area before heading to Mexico City.
Upon arriving in Santa Fe, one of the most exclusive areas in the country, the team headed straight to their hotel. He didn’t stop or interact with fans who were already waiting there.
So what are the challenges?
Portugal derives its name from training at sea level, which reflects much of the country’s land area, which has an average elevation of about 372 meters (approximately 1,220 feet). It is a situation in which the body is accustomed to more stable conditions in terms of physical effort.
But Mexico presents a different scenario. Mexico City’s average elevation is 2,240 meters above sea level, or approximately 7,349 feet above sea level.
The change is not small. After training on the Riviera Maya, the team now faces a city where altitude can affect pace, breathing, and the body’s response to exercise. It can also be felt on the pitch, especially when matches require sustained intensity.
This does not mean that it will determine the outcome, but it is certainly a significant challenge.
In this way, both teams arrive at the same match, but take different paths. While Mexico is already accustomed to high altitudes, Portugal is still new to it.
