Cristiano Ronaldo has been excluded from the Portugal national team lineup due to an injury as they prepare for upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the star forward for both the Portuguese national team and Saudi club Al Nassr, has been left out of Portugal's squad for friendly matches against Mexico and the United States as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The news comes amid concerns regarding his fitness due to a hamstring injury sustained at the end of February in a match against Al-Faiha. Coach Roberto Martinez remarked this week that Ronaldo is dealing with a minor injury but did not confirm the player's availability for the international window.
Ronaldo's absence from the squad is significant given his status as a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and one of football's most recognizable figures. The upcoming matches are crucial for Portugal as they aim to build team cohesion and form ahead of the World Cup, which is slated to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in June and July 2026. Portugal is grouped in Group 11, which will further put pressure on the team to perform well in these friendly fixtures leading up to the tournament.
Portugal will be facing Mexico on June 28 and the United States on June 31 in Atlanta. These games represent not only a chance to test their squad depth without Ronaldo but also to assess strategies and player performance ahead of a prestigious global tournament. The coaching staff will need to strategize effectively to maintain momentum without relying on their star player, who has been central to their successes in previous tournaments.
