Portugal Lineup vs Mexico Confirmed: Diogo Jota Returns, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias Miss Out

Roberto Martinez's men start their World Cup preparations with a friendly against Mexico on 29th March, 2026, at the newly reopened Estadio Banorte. Portugal will miss some big names in this game, but that shouldn't stop them from getting the win to kick off their World Cup groundwork on a high.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a notable absentee from the squad, as he is still recovering from a muscular injury he sustained while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Ruben Dias is also unavailable with a hamstring injury, which kept him out of the Carabao Cup final against one of the best teams in the world currently, Arsenal.

The Portugal national football team finished at the top of their respective group in the World Cup Qualifiers, which guaranteed them automatic qualification to the global gathering event. They have lost just once in their last five games, which came away to the Ireland national football team.

The Selecao replied with a thumping 9-1 win at home against Armenia, which ensured their smooth entry into the 2026 World Cup in the USA. It remains to be seen how the team performs in the absence of some of their most-relied-upon players.

The Mexico national football team came second in their World Cup qualifiers, behind Canada on goal difference. They too have a strong squad on paper, and do possess the ability to give the big teams a run for their money on their day.

Their last defeat came at the hands of Paraguay national football team in a friendly, but they have impressed since then, picking up three wins in a row against Panama, Bolivia, and Iceland, respectively.

Ahead of the all-exciting clash, Sportsdunia takes a look at the Portugal lineup vs Mexico and deciphers what Roberto Martinez is cooking to build the perfect squad that will be taking the field in June to win the most sought-after trophy in the world of football.

Portugal Lineup vs Mexico

Roberto Martinez has gone with a 4-2-3-1 formation for this game against Mexico. In the absence of one of the greatest players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos gets the nod in the number nine position in this Portugal lineup vs Mexico.

Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes are the fullbacks, while Antonio Silva steps in for the injured Ruben Dias for this Portugal vs Mexico game. Ruben Neves and Vitinha constitute the double pivot, with Bruno Fernandes playing as a number 10. Francisco Conceicao and Pedro Neto feature on either flank, bringing pace into the Portuguese attack.

Bernardo Silva misses out of the Portugal lineup, and so does PSG's Joao Neves. They might feature off the bench in the second half of the game. Diogo Jota has been kept in the official squad list as a token of memorabilia.

Since the World Cup qualifiers, Diogo Jota's name has been kept in the official squad list, providing tribute to the deceased Portuguese player and keeping him in the memories of the Portuguese footballing fraternity at all times.

Portugal Starting XI vs Mexico

Check out the confirmed Portugal lineup vs Mexico.

Costa; Cancelo, António Silva, Inácio, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Conceicao, Fernandes, Neto; Ramos.