After this weekend, the March international break will see multiple national teams play in friendly matches to prepare for the World Cup.
The Portuguese national team will be playing against two of the three host nations for the 2026 World Cup, the USMNT and Mexico. Portugal will play Mexico first at the Estadio Azteca and then against the USMNT at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Portugal is expected to bring in their star players like Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and their legendary striker, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has been playing regularly with the Portuguese national team under head coach Roberto Martinez, but the striker has suffered an injury that has kept him out of action for a few weeks. Ronaldo suffered an injury for Al Nassr on February 28, 2026, against Al Fayha.
Ronaldo last played for Portugal on November 13, 2025, in Portugal's fifth World Cup qualifier match against Ireland, where he received a red card.
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Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez did not rule out Ronaldo's inclusion in the Portugal sqaud for the matches against Mexico and the USMNT.
Cristiano Ronaldo Not included in Portugal Squad for March
A day before the announcement, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez did not confirm or deny whether Cristiano Ronaldo would be included in the Portugal squad for March, but many fans assumed the Portuguese star would be a part of it.
Martinez was asked about Ronaldo's potential inclusion and said, "Cristiano is injured. He is not currently playing with Al Nassr and has also been unable to take part in recent matches. We still have a few days to make a decision.”
Martinez insists that Ronaldo's injury is minor, which suggests that Ronaldo may be a part of the squad. However, Portugal announced the squad for the friendlies this month, and Ronaldo is not included.
Martinez said, "We have players who are not ready. We have Ruben Dias, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Nelson Semedo, players who are not medically fit."
