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Portugal's football team faces altitude and jet lag in Mexico City showdown

From Riviera Maya's luxury to a midnight training session, Portugal's squad races against time. Can they overcome altitude and jet lag in this critical test?

The image shows a man standing on top of a soccer field with his arms crossed, wearing a jacket and...
The image shows a man standing on top of a soccer field with his arms crossed, wearing a jacket and black pants. In the background, there is a fence, stairs, and a wall, suggesting that the man is in the middle of a training session. He appears to be a coach, as he is wearing a black jacket and pants, and has a determined expression on his face.

Portugal's football team faces altitude and jet lag in Mexico City showdown

Portugal's national football team is preparing for an upcoming match with a short but intense trip to Mexico City. The squad will arrive less than 24 hours before kick-off, facing both altitude and a five-hour time difference. Despite the tight schedule, they will train late on Wednesday night at a unique venue shared with Uruguay's team. The players will stay at a high-altitude location, 2,240 metres above sea level. Experts confirm that a brief visit—under 72 hours—won't affect their physical performance. However, the first day will be challenging due to reduced sleep as their bodies adjust to the time change.

Before flying to Mexico City, the team is enjoying luxury and privacy at Riviera Maya's top resort. This exclusive setup will last until Friday. Their training session on Wednesday will take place at 11:00 p.m. Lisbon time on a pitch built inside a golf course, the same facility Uruguay will use during the 2026 World Cup. The trip also gives managers a chance to assess players like Martínez, who may now be considered for the World Cup squad.

Portugal's quick turnaround in Mexico City tests their adaptability before the match. The luxury stay in Riviera Maya and the shared training ground with Uruguay highlight their high-level preparations. The team's performance under these conditions will be closely watched ahead of future competitions.

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