One of the most anticipated friendly matches in March is Portugal taking on the USMNT at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026.
Many fans expected to see Cristiano Ronaldo with the national team to take on the USMNT and against Mexico next week, but Portugal announced the roster for the friendly matches, and the legendary striker is not included.
Ronaldo will not play against the USMNT and Mexico due to the hamstring injury he sustained while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League against Al Fayha on February 28, 2026.
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Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez revealed that Ronaldo is not fit to play the friendly matches next week, along with other players.
Martinez said, "We have players who are not ready. We have Ruben Dias, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Nelson Semedo, players who are not medically fit. But this is a phase for managing fitness and taking opportunities. We have new players, and players who can offer something different, and now we have a chance to build the best possible team for the World Cup."
When Will Cristiano Ronaldo Be Fit Again?
With Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed to miss the next two friendly matches for Portugal due to injury, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez revealed how long is left for the Portuguese striker to recover.
Martinez said, "Cristiano Ronaldo’s return will take between one and two weeks.”
With Ronaldo missing this month's Portugal squad, Martinez was asked if Ronaldo is risked to miss out on the Portugal squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Martinez shut down any risk of the player missing the World Cup due to missing this month's roster and said, "No, he is not at risk. It’s a minor muscle injury, and we believe he will recover within one to two weeks. Everything Cristiano Ronaldo has done physically this season shows that he is in excellent condition."
