Due to his inability to recuperate from a right hamstring strain, Cristiano Ronaldo was omitted from Portugal’s roster for the forthcoming March World Cup exhibition games versus Mexico and the United States.
The physical condition of the Portugal skipper became a source of apprehension subsequent to his incurring the muscle ailment on February 28, during a match for Al Nassr, the leading team in the Saudi Pro League.
The 41-year-old Ronaldo has been receiving medical care in Madrid over the recent fortnight; however, he remains unable to confront Mexico at the refurbished Azteca stadium on March 28, nor will he participate against the United States on March 31 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ronaldo’s last appearance in the U.S. dates back to 2014, when he was a component of Real Madrid’s preparatory tour.
Portugal’s World Cup quest is set to commence on June 17 in Houston, facing off against a contender emerging from this month’s playoff tournament.
Roberto MartÃnez, Portugal’s manager, guaranteed supporters that Ronaldo faces no danger of missing what is poised to be an unprecedented sixth World Cup appearance.
“No, he is not in peril,” MartÃnez declared on Friday during the unveiling of his 27-man roster, adding, “It’s merely a slight muscle injury, and we anticipate his return within one or two weeks.”
Cristiano’s physical output throughout this season has unequivocally demonstrated his superb condition.
Subsequent to Ronaldo’s last appearance in the U.S., a legal matter concerning claims of sexual assault against him was reactivated in 2018 by model Kathryn Mayorga, stemming from an alleged event that occurred in Las Vegas in 2009. Ronaldo vehemently refuted these accusations, and the Las Vegas Police Department never initiated formal complaints.
His initial public debut since that time was as an esteemed attendee at the White House last November, where President Donald Trump presided over a lavish dinner to commend Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Ronaldo, the highest goal-scorer ever in men’s international football with 143 goals, had been absent from Portugal’s final game of 2025 – a 9-1 triumph over Armenia in their decisive World Cup qualifier on November 16 – due to a ban.
João Félix, Ronaldo’s Al Nassr colleague currently in excellent form, has been included in the roster. Similarly, Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, who has notched seven goals and provided 16 assists across 27 league matches this season, is also present.
Mateus Fernandes, a midfielder for West Ham United, has garnered his initial invitation, joining five other Premier League-based players in Portugal’s contingent. Gonçalo Guedes, the Real Sociedad winger, reappears in the squad, having not appeared for the national team since 2022.
“Guedes is an adaptable player,” MartÃnez declared, emphasizing, “He has netted nine goals this season and is currently in superb condition.”
“He is an impactful forward, a player of considerable appeal to us. I have previously stated that for the World Cup, the centre-forward role is assigned to Cristiano and Gonçalo Ramos. Therefore, we are seeking a striker possessing distinct characteristics.”
“His current form genuinely merits an invitation. We are quite enthusiastic about the potential contributions he could bring to the national team during these upcoming international matches.”
Portugal Roster: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP); Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), João Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), António Silva (SL Benfica) and Tomás Araújo (SL Benfica); Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), Samú Costa (Mallorca), Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), João Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) and Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto); Ricardo Horta (SC Braga), Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting CP), João Félix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad) and Gonçalo Ramos (PSG).