Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States due to a hamstring injury, raising fresh concerns ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Portugal captain picked up the injury while playing for Al Nassr in late February and has since been undergoing treatment. Speaking during the squad announcement, Portugal head coach Roberto Martnez confirmed that the decision was precautionary as the team looks to manage Ronaldo’s fitness carefully ahead of the World Cup.
“It’s a minor muscle injury, and we think he can be back in a week or two,” Martnez said. “Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he’s in great shape.”
Portugal are set to face Mexico on March 28 at the Azteca Stadium, followed by a clash against the United States in Atlanta on March 31. The fixtures serve as key preparation matches ahead of the World Cup, and Martnez has opted to rest key players rather than risk further injury.
The absence of Ronaldo also comes as part of a broader approach by the coaching staff to manage workload following a long domestic season. Bernardo Silva is another notable name missing from the squad, with the focus firmly on keeping senior players fresh for the bigger challenge ahead.
Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Portugal have named a strong squad featuring the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Joo Flix, while West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes earned his first senior call-up. Gonalo Guedes has also returned to the national setup after a gap of nearly two years.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s most important figure heading into the tournament. The 41-year-old is the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football with 143 goals and is expected to lead the side once fully fit.
WILL CRISTIANO RONALDO PLAY FIFA WORLD CUP 2026?
Martnez made it clear that Ronaldo’s place in Portugal’s World Cup plans is not under threat despite the current setback.
“No, he’s not in danger,” Martnez said when asked about Ronaldo’s availability for the tournament.
The forward is expected to recover within the next couple of weeks, giving him enough time to return to action before the World Cup begins in June. Portugal will kick off their campaign on June 17 in Houston, with the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Ronaldo is set to chase history as he aims to feature in a record sixth World Cup. The veteran is still chasing his first FIFA World Cup title, making the 2026 edition a potentially defining moment in his career.
While his absence from the friendlies may have raised initial concerns, the decision reflects Portugal’s long-term planning rather than any major fitness crisis.
Portugal squad for friendlies: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Matheus Nunes, Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Antonio Silva, Tomas Araujo, Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Mateus Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Rodrigo Mora Ricardo Horta, Pedro Goncalves, Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos
