Azteca Stadium is set to reopen in March as it welcomes Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo for a friendly match ahead of the 2026 World Cup, confirmed by the Mexican soccer federation on Tuesday.

This iconic venue, which has been closed for renovations since May last year, will host five World Cup matches, including the opening game on June 11.

Renamed the Banorte Stadium, this venue makes history as the first to host a third World Cup opening match, having previously hosted in 1970 and 1986. Mexico is co-hosting next summer’s tournament alongside the United States and Canada.

The friendly match is scheduled for March 28, with Mexico also announcing a training game against Belgium three days later at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Coach Javier Aguirre expressed a desire to play two matches with players from the local league in Central America during January following a 2-1 defeat to Paraguay in November, although the federation has not confirmed these plans yet.