Full Breakdown
Cristiano Ronaldo Sidelined for Portugal's Pre-World Cup Friendlies
3/21/2026, 8:12:19 AM
Injury Details and Squad Implications
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal's upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States due to a right hamstring injury sustained on February 28 while playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The 41-year-old forward has not played since that match, where he limped off the field during a 3-1 victory over Al-Fayha. Portugal's head coach, Roberto Martínez, confirmed Ronaldo's absence from the squad announced on March 20, stating that the injury is minor and he could return in one to two weeks.
Portugal is set to face Mexico on March 28 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and the United States on April 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Ronaldo's participation in the World Cup, which begins on June 11, remains unaffected according to Martínez, who emphasized that the injury is not serious.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberto Martínez reassured fans about Ronaldo's condition, stating, "No, he's not in danger. It's a minor muscle injury, and we think he can be back in a week or two." He added that Ronaldo's physical condition this season has been excellent, indicating that the forward is in great shape despite the injury.
Martínez also noted the importance of these friendlies as a final opportunity to experiment with the squad before finalizing the World Cup roster. He mentioned that Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos would be the primary options for the center-forward position, while a search for a third striker with a different profile is ongoing.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding Ronaldo's recovery, some critics have raised concerns about his age and fitness level, questioning whether he can maintain peak performance at the World Cup. The injury has reignited discussions about the physical demands placed on older athletes in high-stakes competitions.
Portugal's Squad Overview
In Ronaldo's absence, Portugal's squad for the friendlies includes notable players such as Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), João Félix (Al-Nassr), and Rafael Leão (AC Milan). The complete roster features:
- Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon)
- Defenders: Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting Lisbon), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), António Silva (Benfica), Tomás Araújo (Benfica)
- Midfielders: Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal), Samú Costa (Mallorca), Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto)
- Forwards: Ricardo Horta (Braga), Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting Lisbon), João Félix (Al-Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting Lisbon), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Gonçalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain)
What's Next
Portugal's upcoming matches against Mexico and the United States will serve as critical preparation ahead of the World Cup. The team aims to finalize its strategy and player roles, particularly in light of Ronaldo's injury and the need for effective replacements in the squad.
