Mexico City/Atalanta – Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has announced his squad for upcoming international friendlies against Mexico and the United States, and notably absent from the roster is Cristiano Ronaldo. The decision comes as the 41-year-old Al Nassr forward continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in late February, according to multiple reports.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) released the squad list on Friday, March 20, 2026, revealing Ronaldo’s exclusion. While the injury is the immediate reason for his absence, the move raises questions about the veteran’s role as Portugal prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Martinez, however, has consistently downplayed any suggestion that Ronaldo’s pursuit of a milestone 1,000 career goals is becoming an obsession, emphasizing the player’s commitment to team performance.
Portugal will face Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on March 29th, followed by a match against the United States in Atalanta, Italy, a few days later. These fixtures serve as crucial preparation for the World Cup, offering Martinez an opportunity to assess his squad and refine tactics ahead of the tournament.
Ronaldo’s Injury and Recovery
The hamstring injury occurred during a Saudi Pro League match for Al Nassr. Ronaldo traveled to Madrid for treatment and rehabilitation, but has not recovered sufficiently to participate in the upcoming friendlies. While a precise return date remains unclear, Martinez has indicated that he expects Ronaldo to be available for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This expectation suggests the injury is not considered long-term, but it does sideline one of football’s most iconic figures for these important warm-up matches.
Squad Composition and Alternatives
Martinez has assembled a squad brimming with attacking talent in Ronaldo’s absence. Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Guedes, and João Félix are among the forwards expected to lead the line. The midfield will feature established names like Bruno Fernandes and Rúben Neves, while the defense is anchored by players such as João Cancelo and Nuno Mendes.
The full squad list, as released by the FPF, includes:
- Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP)
- Defenders: Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), João Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), António Silva (SL Benfica), Tomás Araújo (SL Benfica)
- Midfielders: Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), Samú Costa (Mallorca), Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), João Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto)
- Forwards: Ricardo Horta (SC Braga), Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting CP), João Félix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG)
Martinez Addresses Concerns About Ronaldo’s Focus
Recent reports have suggested concerns that Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 career goals might be impacting his team play. However, Martinez has repeatedly dismissed these claims. He pointed to Ronaldo’s assist for Bruno Fernandes during a previous European Championship match as evidence of his continued commitment to the collective quality. “I don’t agree with that,” Martinez said, according to goal.com. “If Cristiano had played the European Championship focused on scoring a goal to break another record, the assist against Turkey for Bruno Fernandes wouldn’t have happened.”
Martinez emphasized that Ronaldo’s focus remains on team performance and making the right decisions on the pitch. He believes that the experienced players within the squad demonstrate a heightened sense of responsibility during major tournaments, prioritizing collective success over individual accolades. The coach has consistently maintained that Ronaldo is not playing with “the anxiety or intention of reaching 1,000 goals.”
What This Means for Portugal’s World Cup Preparations
Ronaldo’s absence from these friendlies provides an opportunity for other players to stake their claim in the squad and demonstrate their capabilities. It allows Martinez to experiment with different tactical approaches and assess the depth of his team. While Ronaldo’s experience and goal-scoring prowess are undeniable assets, his absence forces Portugal to rely on a broader range of attacking options.
The matches against Mexico and the United States will be valuable tests for Portugal as they prepare to compete against the best teams in the world. The Estadio Azteca, in particular, presents a formidable challenge, known for its passionate atmosphere and high altitude. The Atalanta match will offer a different test, playing in a European environment against a strong American side.
The upcoming games are not just about results; they are about building cohesion, refining tactics, and ensuring that Portugal is fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Martinez’s decisions regarding squad selection and tactical approach will be closely scrutinized as the tournament draws nearer.
Portugal’s supporters will be hoping for positive performances from their team and a swift recovery for Cristiano Ronaldo, as they look ahead to a potentially exciting World Cup campaign.
Next Up: Portugal will face Mexico on March 29th at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City (8:00 PM local time, 11:00 PM UTC). Following that, they will take on the United States in Atalanta on April 1st.
