Injured Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Portugal’s squad for March friendlies against Mexico and the United States.
The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward sustained an injury in a Saudi Pro League match earlier this month and traveled to Spain for rehabilitation, missing his club’s last two games.
Ronaldo aims to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup-likely his final major tournament-hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Manager Roberto Martinez named a 27-player squad featuring ten forwards, including Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr teammate Joao Felix. Notable absences include Manchester City’s Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva, along with Tottenham’s Joao Palhinha. Goncalo Guedes returns to the national team for the first time since 2022.
Portugal faces Mexico on March 28 and the U.S. on March 31 before beginning World Cup qualifying group play against Uzbekistan, Colombia, and a playoff winner in Group K.