Cristiano Ronaldo to Miss Portugal Friendlies Due to Injury
Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of the Portugal national team, will not participate in the upcoming friendly matches against Mexico and the United States due to a hamstring injury. This has raised concerns as the team prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Ronaldo sustained the injury while playing for his club, Al Nassr, in late February. Since then, he has been undergoing treatment. Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martínez, confirmed during the squad announcement that the decision to rest Ronaldo is a precautionary measure. The aim is to ensure he stays fit as the World Cup approaches.
“It’s a minor muscle injury, and we believe he can return in a week or two,” Martínez stated, adding that Ronaldo’s physical performance this season suggests he is in good shape.
Portugal is scheduled to face Mexico on March 28 at the Azteca Stadium, followed by a match against the United States in Atlanta on March 31. These friendlies are crucial for the team’s preparation ahead of the World Cup, and the coaching staff has decided to manage the players’ workload, opting to rest key figures like Ronaldo to prevent further injuries.
In addition to Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva is another notable absence from the squad, reflecting the team’s strategy to keep senior players well-rested for the future challenges ahead.
Despite the absence of their star player, Portugal has named a strong lineup featuring talented players such as Bruno Fernandes and João Félix. Moreover, West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has received his first senior call-up, and Gonçalo Guedes makes his return to the national team after nearly two years.
Ronaldo, who holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football with 143 goals, will be pivotal for Portugal as they aim for success in the tournament.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Martínez reassured fans that Ronaldo’s place in the World Cup squad is secure, despite his current injury. “No, he’s not in danger,” he said when addressing concerns about Ronaldo’s availability for the tournament.
Ronaldo’s recovery is expected within a couple of weeks, allowing him to return to the field before the World Cup kicks off in June. Portugal will start their campaign on June 17 in Houston. The upcoming tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
At 41, Ronaldo aims to make history by playing in his sixth World Cup. He is still in pursuit of his first World Cup title, making this upcoming edition a significant moment in his illustrious career.
While his absence from the friendlies might have caused some alarm, it reflects Portugal’s long-term strategy rather than a crisis in fitness.
Portugal Squad for Friendlies:
Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva, Matheus Nunes, Diogo Dalot, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, António Silva, Tomás Araújo, Rubén Neves, Samu Costa, Mateus Fernandes, João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Ricardo Horta, Pedro Gonçalves, João Félix, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos.
