The Portugal national football team has made an unusual yet strategic decision ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by selecting Cancun, Mexico, as their main base during the tournament. The choice has raised eyebrows, especially since Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates are not scheduled to play any matches in Mexico during the group stage.
Under the management of Roberto Martinez, Portugal finds itself drawn in Group K, alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and one of DR Congo, Jamaica, or New Caledonia. The Selecao das Quinas are considered strong favorites to top the group and make a deep run in the tournament, potentially chasing their first-ever World Cup title.
FIFA is expected to officially confirm the Fairmont Mayakoba Resort and Mayakoba Training Centre in Cancun as the official training and accommodation base for Portugal during the World Cup.
A Surprising Choice at First Glance
On the surface, the decision appears unconventional. Cancun is widely known as a tourist hub famous for its nightlife, luxury clubs, and spring break festivities—far removed from the disciplined and highly focused environment typically associated with elite football teams.
Many fans initially questioned whether a vibrant city like Cancun could provide the privacy and concentration required for a World Cup squad led by a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Logistical and Technical Logic
However, when analyzed more closely, Portugal’s choice makes considerable logistical and technical sense. Portugal’s first two group matches will take place in Houston, followed by a final group stage match in Miami.
From Cancun, travel to both cities is relatively balanced. Flights to Miami take approximately one hour and fifty minutes, while Houston is roughly two hours and ten minutes away. This central location reduces travel fatigue and allows the team to maintain a consistent training schedule.
Moreover, Cancun is expected to remain relatively quiet during the World Cup. Matches are set to be held in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, leaving Cancun largely free from the congestion and crowds associated with tournament games.
World-Class Facilities for Portugal
One of the key advantages of Cancun lies in the facilities available to the team. The Fairmont Mayakoba Resort and its associated training centre are situated about one hour from Cancun’s city center, along the pristine coastline of the Riviera Maya.
The area spans 240 hectares of tropical forest, natural canals, lagoons, and mangroves, providing maximum privacy for the squad—a perfect “bunker” for Ronaldo and his teammates to focus entirely on their preparation.
The Mayakoba Training Centre offers state-of-the-art facilities, including a main training pitch, a dedicated goalkeeper area, and a fully equipped modern gym, ensuring players can train at the highest standard.
Meanwhile, the Fairmont Mayakoba Resort itself is a luxury five-star property with 401 rooms, including premium villas with rates starting around $2,000 per night, and 12 meeting rooms to support internal team operations.
The Ideal Base for Portugal
Supporting amenities are equally impressive. The resort boasts eight restaurants, three bars, additional gyms, five swimming pools including an infinity pool, an exclusive spa, and the El Camaleon golf course, which has hosted PGA Tour, LPGA, and LIV Golf events. There is also a private beach club with direct access to the Caribbean Sea’s white sandy shores.
With temperatures frequently reaching 30 degrees Celsius, Cancun is considered ideal for player recovery after matches. Portugal even has the flexibility to relocate to the United States after the group stage if necessary, allowing further adaptability to match schedules.
Strategic Preparation for World Cup Success
By selecting Cancun, Portugal combines luxury, privacy, and logistical efficiency, demonstrating careful planning ahead of football’s biggest stage. The team’s preparation underscores their ambition to maximize performance and pursue success at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Cristiano Ronaldo, as the team’s marquee player, is expected to benefit from the serene and high-quality training environment, ensuring that both he and the squad can remain fully focused despite the excitement and distractions of the surrounding city.
With meticulous preparation, first-class facilities, and strategically calculated travel logistics, it is clear that Portugal’s choice of Cancun is far from arbitrary. It is a measured decision aimed at providing the team with the optimal environment to succeed, even in a country where they will not play a single official match.
Ultimately, Portugal’s base in Cancun is a reflection of professionalism, foresight, and ambition. With their eyes firmly set on World Cup glory, Ronaldo and the Selecao das Quinas are preparing to make history on the world stage.
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