Portugal looks set to step up its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they play Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Saturday.
The team secured a spot in the quadrennial showpiece with a 9-1 defeat of Armenia and will face Mexico and the United States of America, two co-hosts of the tournament, in the March-April period.
But one of the main talking points remains the availability of Cristiano Ronaldo, five-time Ballon d’Or winner, the country’s record goalscorer and the captain expected to play in his last ever World Cup later this year.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in the Mexico-Portugal international friendly match?
No, Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in the international friendly between Mexico and Portugal. He has been left out of the match selection.
Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing in the international friendly between Mexico and Portugal?
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently struggling with a hamstring injury and has therefore been ruled out of the international friendly between Mexico and Portugal. At the age of 41, fitness will be of paramount importance for the Portugal captain with the World Cup just months away.
The 41-year-old has not played for his Saudi club Al-Nassr since the end of February.
When will Cristiano Ronaldo return to Portugal?
Portuguese coach Roberto Martinez stressed that Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to the national team colors just before the 2026 World Cup.
«It’s a minor injury,» Martinez said at a news conference, adding that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could be back «within one or two weeks.»
“Everything that Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he is going through an excellent period and that there are no physical problems.
«At the World Cup, the center forward position will be for Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos. We are looking for a third striker with a different profile.»
“This is the last chance to experiment, because this is the last training camp before the World Cup squad is named,” said Martinez.
Published on March 29, 2026
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