Lisbon: Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s upcoming international friendlies against Mexico and the United States due to a minor hamstring injury, raising concerns as the team prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Injury and recovery timeline
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez confirmed that the decision to rest Ronaldo was precautionary, aimed at ensuring full fitness ahead of the global tournament.
The 41-year-old forward sustained the injury while playing for Al Nassr in late February and has since been undergoing treatment. According to Martínez, the injury is not serious and Ronaldo is expected to recover within one to two weeks.
“It’s a minor muscle injury, and we think he can be back in a week or two,” the coach said, adding that Ronaldo has maintained excellent physical condition throughout the season.
Key friendlies without Ronaldo
Portugal are scheduled to face Mexico on March 28 at the iconic Azteca Stadium, followed by a match against the United States in Atlanta on March 31. These fixtures are considered crucial preparation matches ahead of the World Cup.
However, the coaching staff has chosen to prioritise long-term fitness over short-term results by resting key players, including Ronaldo. Midfield star Bernardo Silva is also absent from the squad as part of workload management.
Strong squad despite absences
Despite missing some senior players, Portugal have announced a strong squad featuring key names such as Bruno Fernandes and João Félix.
Young talent Mateus Fernandes has earned his first senior call-up, marking an important milestone in his career. Meanwhile, Gonçalo Guedes has returned to the national team after nearly two years, adding depth to the attacking options.
The squad reflects a balance between experienced players and emerging talents as Portugal fine-tunes its lineup ahead of the World Cup.
No threat to World Cup participation
Martínez dismissed any concerns regarding Ronaldo’s availability for the FIFA World Cup 2026, stating clearly that the injury does not pose a risk to his participation.
“No, he’s not in danger,” the coach said when asked about Ronaldo’s chances of playing in the tournament.
Portugal are set to begin their World Cup campaign on June 17 in Houston, with the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ronaldo’s historic ambitions
Ronaldo remains a central figure in Portugal’s plans. He is currently the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, with 143 goals to his name.
The upcoming World Cup could be historic for the veteran forward, as he aims to become the first player to feature in six editions of the tournament. Despite his long and decorated career, a World Cup title remains the one major accolade missing from his achievements.
Strategic squad management
The decision to rest Ronaldo and other senior players reflects a broader strategy by the Portuguese coaching staff to manage player workload after a demanding club season.
With the World Cup just months away, avoiding injuries and maintaining peak fitness is a top priority. The friendlies are being used not only for tactical preparation but also to test squad depth and give opportunities to younger players.
Conclusion
While Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the upcoming friendlies may initially raise concerns, it appears to be a calculated move aimed at ensuring his readiness for the FIFA World Cup 2026. With recovery expected soon and a strong squad in place, Portugal remain focused on building momentum for what could be a defining tournament for their iconic captain.
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