Portugal Will Play Without Cristiano Ronaldo

March 21, 2026: Portugal will play friendly matches against Mexico and the United States without Cristiano Ronaldo. He is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, announced the squad for these last two matches before the World Cup, and Ronaldo is not included.

Ronaldo got injured while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League on February 28. He is still trying to recover. He even went to Madrid for two weeks of treatment, but he could not get fit in time.

Friendly Matches Before World Cup

Portugal will play against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on March 28. After that, they will play against the United States at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia three days later.

Ronaldo is now 41 years old, but he still wants to play in the next World Cup. Coach Martinez said this injury is not serious. He said it is a small injury, and Ronaldo may return in one or two weeks.

Martinez also said that Ronaldo has played very well this season and is in good form. He said that the main striker position for Portugal in the World Cup will be Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos. The team is still looking for one more striker.

🚨 SHOCKING: Cristiano Ronaldo is NOT CALLED UP for the Portuguese national team's upcoming matches against Mexico and the United States.

Cristiano Ronaldo stated that he would not be.....Show more pic.twitter.com/yfdMD49Eax

— Mazi of Africa (@Mazitundeeednut) March 20, 2026

He added that these two friendly matches are very important. It is the last chance to test players before the final World Cup squad is selected.

Ronaldo last went to the United States in 2014 during a pre-season tour with Real Madrid. He has not played there since then. However, he visited the White House last November as a guest at a dinner for Donald Trump.

Ronaldo has scored the most goals in international football. He has 143 goals in 226 matches. He will want to score more goals in the World Cup and also try to win the trophy.

Portugal is in Group K in the World Cup. They will play their first match on June 17. The World Cup will start on June 11 and will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.