In the preview of the friendly match against the Mexican Football Team, scheduled for the reopening of the Azteca Stadium, Bruno Fernandes and Roberto Martinez highlighted the importance of the Portuguese Football Team’s internship in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes began by highlighting the usefulness of the internship, saying that “it always helps because it’s good to be together”, remembering that the group had not worked together since November. The Manchester United midfielder also added that he is going through “a good time” at the English club and who intends “Transfer this to help the team”.
Roberto Martínez also valued this period of preparation, highlighting that “the internship is going very well”and highlighting the importance of observing new solutions: “I’m loving the new blood and we’ll see how we manage it.”
Asked about the possibility of assuming greater protagonism in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias, Bruno Fernandes rejected changes in his stance. “Of course, not being Cris and Bernardo are the most international, but that pressure doesn’t exist for me”he stated, reinforcing: “My stance will always be the same. I just want to help my colleagues feel better.”
The national coach highlighted, in turn, that internal competitiveness is essential at this stage of preparation: “The 2026 World Cup will be one of the most complex ever. We need a lot of preparation and tactical flexibility.”
The symbolic importance of the meeting at Azteca was another of the central themes. Bruno Fernandes assumed that “it is very important to inaugurate a stadium that is so important in the history of football”, remembering that Mexico “never lost to a European team in Mexico City”, what transforms the game “in a great test against a great team”.
Roberto Martínez also evoked the symbolism of the enclosure: “In football, we love memories and special moments and playing at Azteca is special. I remember the 86 World Cup and looking at Azteca as a stadium where everyone wanted to play.”
Altitude will be one of the additional challenges of the match. The Portuguese international acknowledged that “it always changes a little, both in breathing and in recovery”, adding that “the ball moves a lot more”, which forces the team to adjust aspects such as crossings. The technician explained that the choice of this context is part of a specific plan: “It’s a scientific question, so we can collect data and know what to do next time.”
Regarding FIFA’s new guidelines, Bruno Fernandes was receptive to the changes: “These are rules to reduce wasted time and have better football. We are still learning, but I think it will be good for football.” Roberto Martínez added that the team will have to adapt the management of minutes, remembering that “For the first time, FIFA will allow 10 substitutions and we will see how we can manage”.
Paulinho’s return to the Seleção was also commented on by the two protagonists. Bruno Fernandes highlighted that the striker “It’s going to be important in there scoring goals and giving goals to others”, also highlighting his knowledge of his opponent. The selector explained that the call-up results from the performance presented: “Paulinho is here on merit, for what he has done in Mexico.”
Regarding the possibility of wearing the captain’s armband, Bruno Fernandes was cautious: “I still don’t know if I’ll play, but it’s already a source of pride for me to represent the national team and, on top of that, to be able to take to the field in a mythical stadium like this.”
Finally, regarding his status as a candidate for the world title, the Portuguese midfielder considered that this recognition should be seen positively: “It’s a sign that they see us as capable of doing this. We don’t have to be afraid of anything or anyone.” Roberto Martínez preferred to moderate expectations, remembering that “Only the teams that have already won the World Cup are favorites”although he admits that Portugal is capable of fighting for the most ambitious objectives.
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