Ronaldo to miss Portugal games vs. U.S., Mexico

Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature in Portugal’s upcoming World Cup tune-ups against Mexico and the United States, national-team coach Roberto Martínez confirmed on Friday, after the 41-year-old captain failed to overcome a right hamstring injury sustained while playing for Saudi Pro League leaders Al Nassr on Feb. 28.

Ronaldo has spent the past fortnight undergoing treatment in Madrid, but medical staff determined he will not be ready for the March 28 meeting with Mexico at the renovated Estadio Azteca or the March 31 encounter with the U.S. in Atlanta, Georgia. The absence marks his first missed U.S. appearance since Real Madrid’s 2014 preseason tour.

Martínez, unveiling a 27-man roster, stressed that the setback is minor and will not jeopardize Ronaldo’s pursuit of a record sixth World Cup this summer. “It’s a minor muscle injury, and we think he can be back in a week or two,” the coach said. “Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he’s in great shape.”

Portugal opens its World Cup campaign in Houston on June 17 against a playoff winner still to be determined.

Without their all-time leading scorer, who has 143 international goals, the Seleção will lean on in-form supporting talent. Al Nassr teammate João Félix is included, as is Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes, who has seven goals and 16 assists in 27 league matches this season. West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes received his first senior call-up, while Real Sociedad winger Gonçalo Guedes returns to the fold for the first time since 2022 after tallying nine goals in club play.

“Guedes is a versatile player,” Martínez noted. “He’s a game-changing striker … and he’s in a form that deserves a call-up.”

The squad features six Premier League-based players, including Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City) and Pedro Neto (Chelsea). Veteran Wolves keeper José Sá and Benfica pair António Silva and Tomás Araújo round out the defensive options, while PSG’s Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and João Neves add youthful energy in midfield.

Ronaldo last missed Portugal duty in November, serving a suspension during the 9-1 rout of Armenia that capped World Cup qualifying. His next target is a full recovery before the global tournament kicks off in North America this summer.