On March 20, the Portugal national football team announced its squad for upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States, with the notable absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The forward, who currently plays for Al Nassr, is sidelined due to a muscle injury sustained at the end of February, which has prevented him from being in peak physical condition for this FIFA date.

Head coach Roberto Martínez revealed a list of 27 players called up, who will commence training in Mexico on March 23. Martínez made the decision to not risk the aging star and instead prioritize his recovery for future matches, especially with an eye on the 2026 World Cup. From sources around the team, it's indicated that the injury is not severe, and Ronaldo could potentially return to the pitch in the following weeks.

Portugal’s squad includes notable players such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rúben Dias, demonstrating the team’s depth even in Ronaldo’s absence. These friendlies serve as crucial preparation for the national team as they look forward to important competitions ahead, making strategic decisions about player fitness and availability paramount at this stage.