After playing in Mexico against the Mexican national team over the weekend, Portugal will play another host nation of the 2026 World Cup, the United States.
Portugal will play the USMNT at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium tonight in a friendly to prepare for the World Cup.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez will bring top players for the match against the USMNT, like Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes. These players played against Mexico over the weekend, but the big absence was Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo did not play against Mexico over the weekend, and his last appearance for Portugal was in the World Cup qualifier match against Ireland on November 13, 2025.
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Ronaldo missed the last two games for Portugal, one against Armenia due to suspension after receiving a red card against Ireland, and one against Mexico, since he was not included in the squad.
Cristiano Ronaldo won't play vs. the USMNT
Cristiano Ronaldo will not play for Portugal against the USMNT tonight as he is still out of the squad. Portugal announced the roster for the friendly matches against Mexico and the USMNT a few weeks ago, and Ronaldo was not included.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez decided not to call Ronaldo up for these two friendly matches since the Portuguese striker is injured and is currently recovering.
It would have been a risk to play Ronaldo against Mexico or the USMNT since he is yet to be 100% match fit. Ronaldo is expected to be back to fitness in the next two weeks.
