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Cristiano Ronaldo left out of Portugal‘s squad for crucial March friendlies. The 41-year-old superstar is sidelined by a right hamstring injury sustained on February 28. Coach Roberto Martínez insists his World Cup future is secure.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Announcement Date: March 20, 2026 by Coach Roberto Martínez
- Squad Size: 27 players selected, with Cristiano Ronaldo excluded
- Injury Status: Right hamstring injury from February 28 at Al Nassr
- World Cup Outlook: Martínez confirms Ronaldo will recover before June tournament
The Absence That Shook Portugal
In a stunning development just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Portugal boss Roberto Martínez announced his squad for two critical World Cup warmup friendlies.
The glaring omission was Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading international scorer with 143 goals. The Al Nassr captain sustained a right hamstring injury while playing for the Saudi Pro League leaders on February 28. Despite receiving treatment in Madrid for two weeks, the veteran forward remains unavailable.
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Martínez issued reassurance about Ronaldo‘s fitness trajectory, stating recovery is expected within one to two weeks.
World Cup Hopes Remain Strong Despite Setback
Coach Roberto Martínez firmly dismissed concerns about Ronaldo‘s participation in the World Cup, saying his record sixth tournament appearance is not in jeopardy. Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows he stays in great shape, Martínez stated.
The injury manager’s confidence stems from Ronaldo‘s consistent physical conditioning throughout the season. Portugal squad development continues as planned for the June 2026 tournament in North America.
Ronaldo has not played in the United States since 2014, when he visited as part of Real Madrid‘s preseason tour.
Who Steps Up Without Ronaldo
Portugal‘s squad balances youth and experience across three positions. 27-man roster features critical changes for these friendlies.
| Category | Key Inclusions |
| Notable Returns | Gonçalo Guedes recalled since 2022, Real Sociedad winger with 9 goals this season |
| First Senior Call-ups | Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, 18 caps at Under-21 level |
| Star Power | Bruno Fernandes leads Manchester United with 7 goals, 16 assists |
| Other Notable Absences | Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, João Palhinha managed for rest |
“It’s a minor muscle injury. We think he can be back in a week or two. Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows he’s in great shape.”
— Roberto Martínez, Portugal Head Coach
Critical Warmup Matches Against World Cup Hosts
Portugal faces Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Saturday, March 28. Three days later, the team travels to Atlanta, Georgia to face the United States on March 31.
These matches provide essential preparation before June when Portugal begins its World Cup campaign in Houston against a playoff tournament winner. Martínez uses these friendlies to finalize tactical approaches and evaluate squad depth.
The friendly schedule tests Portugal‘s defensive organization and attacking flow without Ronaldo‘s familiar presence upfront.
Will Portugal’s Balanced Lineup Thrive Without Ronaldo?
This squad announcement raises intriguing questions about Portugal‘s flexibility moving forward. Can the team maintain its World Cup momentum while adapting to life without its greatest player for two matches?
Coach Martínez appears confident in the squad’s alternative attacking weapons. João Félix, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, and Gonçalo Ramos provide diverse tactical options. The friendly window serves as critical testing ground for backup plans heading into June.
With Ronaldo‘s status secure for the main tournament, Portugal‘s focus shifts to proving they can compete effectively across multiple tactical scenarios before World Cup pressure truly mounts.
Sources
- ESPN – Exclusive coverage of Ronaldo’s injury and squad announcement details
- Sporting News – Full Portugal squad roster with club affiliations and cap counts
- Yahoo Sports – Coach Martínez quotes and player absence explanations
