By Peter John
Portugal will be without their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo for the upcoming international friendlies against Mexico and the United States after the veteran forward was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Head coach Roberto Martínez confirmed the omission while naming a 26-man squad for the March fixtures, which form part of Portugal’s early preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Pourtugess side will face Mexico on March 28 in Mexico City before traveling to Atlanta to take on the United States on March 31.
Ronaldo is understood to have sustained the injury in late February while featuring for Al Nassr.
Following consultations between club and national team medical staff, it was agreed that the 39-year-old should focus on recovery rather than risk aggravating the issue in non-competitive matches.
His absence leaves a leadership void, with Bruno Fernandes expected to captain the side.
The Manchester United midfielder will spearhead a squad that blends experience with emerging talent as Martínez continues to assess his options ahead of the expanded World Cup in North America.
Portugal’s midfield remains one of its strongest assets, with the likes of Vitinha and João Neves offering creativity and control.
In attack, attention will turn to dynamic forwards such as Rafael Leão and João Félix, both of whom are expected to play key roles in testing Portugal’s attacking depth without their all-time leading scorer.
The friendlies present an opportunity for Martínez to experiment tactically and evaluate fringe players in high-profile matches away from home.
With Ronaldo nearing the twilight of his illustrious international career, the fixtures could also provide a glimpse into Portugal’s future attacking identity.
Despite his absence, Ronaldo remains central to Portugal’s long-term plans, with the coaching staff keen to ensure he is fully fit for competitive fixtures later in the year.
