Cristiano Ronaldo to miss Portugal friendlies as injury concerns grow at FIFA World Cup 2026
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.
Portugal’s captain got injured He suffered a concussion while playing for Al Nassr in late February and has been undergoing treatment since then. Speaking during the team announcement, Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez confirmed that the decision was precautionary as the team wants to carefully manage Ronaldo’s fitness ahead of the World Cup.
“It’s a minor muscle injury and we think he can be back in a week or two,” Martínez said. “Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows he is in good shape.”
Portugal are scheduled to face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on March 28, followed by a match against the United States in Atlanta on March 31. These matches serve as important preparation matches ahead of the World Cup, and Martínez has opted to rest key players rather than risk further injury.
Ronaldo’s absence is also part of the coaching staff’s wider approach to managing the workload after a long domestic season. Bernardo Silva is another notable name missing from the squad, with the focus being on keeping the senior players fresh for the big challenge ahead.
Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Portugal have fielded a strong squad including the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Ju Flix, while West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has earned his first senior call-up. Gonalo Guedes has also returned to the national team after a gap of almost two years.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s most important man at 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 team once he is fully fit.
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Martínez made it clear that despite the current setback, Ronaldo’s place in Portugal’s World Cup plans is not in danger.
Asked about Ronaldo’s availability for the tournament, Martínez said, “No, he is not in danger.”
The forward is expected to recover over the next few weeks, giving him enough time to return to action before the World Cup begins in June. Portugal will begin their campaign on June 17 in Houston, with the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Ronaldo is set to make history as he aims to appear 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.
Although his absence from friendlies may have raised initial concerns, the decision reflects Portugal’s long-term planning rather than any major fitness crisis.
Portugal squad for friendly matches: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Matheus Nunes, Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, Antonio Silva, Tomas Araújo, Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Mateus Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Rodrigo Mora Ricardo Horta, Pedro Goncalves, Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceição, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos
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