Cristiano Ronaldo Left out of Portugal squad for pre-World Cup friendlies against Mexico and USA The 41-year-old forward has not joined his club Al Nasr since the end of February, but Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has assured that the injury is not serious.
“Not in danger” for World Cup
Martinez downplayed the concerns. Ronaldo‘s fitness as he suffers a hamstring injury ahead of the World Cup:“It’s a minor injury,” Martinez said at a press conference, adding that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could be back “in a week or two.”“Everything that Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he is having a great spell and there are no physical problems. “Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos will occupy the centre-forward position at the World Cup. We are looking for a third striker with a different profile.”
Portugal’s final preparations before the World Cup
Portugal will compete in:
- Mexico March 28 in Mexico City
- United States on April 1 in Atlanta
“It’s the last chance to experiment, because it’s the last training camp before the World Cup squad is named,” Martinez said.
World Cup 2026 Group Details
2026 FIFA World CupThe joint hosting of the United States, Mexico and Canada will continue from June 11 to July 19. Portugal are drawn in Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan.The final team in the group will be decided by a play-off, with either New Caledonia, Jamaica, or DR Congo facing off.Portugal squad for friendlies:Goalkeepers: Diego Costa, Jose Sa, Rui SilvaDefenders: Mathis Nunes, Diego Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Vega, Antonio Silva, Tamas AraujoMidfielders: Ruben Neves, Samo Costa, Matisse Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vatina, Bruno Fernandes, Rodrigo MouraForwards: Ricardo Horta, Pedro Goncalves, Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Concio, Rafael Leo, Pedro Neto, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos
