Nickel catalysts supported on magnesium aluminate promoted with ZrO2, CeZrO2 and CeO2 were evaluated under methane tri-reforming reaction. MgAl2O4 synthesis was assisted by P123 (R) surfactant, assuring high porosity. The catalysts were tested at 650 degrees C and 750 degrees C. Zr and Ce-Zr promoted catalysts showed less coke deposition and increased conversions, mainly at 750 degrees C, while the non-promoted catalyst featured lowest reactants conversion due to an unstable performance caused by filamentous coke deposition. The H-2/CO ratio produced at 750 degrees C was at around 2, suitable to FT synthesis. In situ XPD analysis suggested nickel remained active as Ni-0 throughout the reaction, even in the oxidant environment, containing water and oxygen, and high-temperature exposure. Considering that nickel oxidation during the process is one of the concerns related to the catalyst deactivation during tri-reforming of methane, along with carbon deposition, these catalysts are promising to active and stable syngas production.