Ronaldo misses Portugal's final pre-World Cup training camp

Striker Cristiano Ronaldo has not recovered from injury and was not called up to the Portugal squad for a series of friendly matches at the end of March.

Cristiano Ronaldo sustained an injury during Al Nassr's 3-1 victory over Al Fayha in matchweek 24 of the Saudi Pro League on 28/2. The Portuguese superstar missed Al Nassr's two most recent matches and returned to Spain for treatment.

As he has not fully recovered, Ronaldo was not selected for Portugal's two upcoming friendly matches: against hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on 28/3 and against the United States in Atlanta on 31/3. These are the final warm-up games before the 2026 World Cup, where Portugal is in Group K alongside Uzbekistan, Colombia, and a team that will advance from the play-offs.

During the announcement of Portugal's squad, coach Roberto Martinez reassured fans that Ronaldo is not at risk of missing the 2026 World Cup, a tournament where he could set a record for six appearances. "It's just a minor muscle injury; he could be back in one or two weeks," Martinez stated.

Cristiano Ronaldo (right) embraces coach Roberto Martinez after Portugal defeated Spain in the UEFA Nations League final at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany on the evening of 8/6/2025. Anh: Olt Sports

Ronaldo is currently the leading scorer in men's international football history with 143 goals. He also missed Portugal's previous match, a 9-1 victory over Armenia in a World Cup qualifier in 11/2025, due to a suspension.

In addition to Ronaldo, midfielder Bernardo Silva is another notable absence from the squad. Martinez explained that this decision was a technical one, based on medical information provided by Man City. He also emphasized that this training camp offers an opportunity to test new players and provide chances to deserving individuals.

Coach Martinez still called up several prominent players, including Joao Felix, Ronaldo's teammate at Al Nassr, and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who has 16 assists and 7 goals in the English Premier League this season.

West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes received his first national team call-up, while Real Sociedad striker Goncalo Guedes returned after a two-year absence. According to coach Martinez, Guedes is versatile, in strong form with 9 goals this season, and can offer a different attacking option for the national team in the upcoming friendly matches.

Beyond team selection, Martinez was questioned about his future, as his contract with Portugal is set to expire after the 2026 World Cup. The 52-year-old coach declined to disclose his plans, stating that he and the Portuguese Football Federation have agreed to prioritize the World Cup above all else.

"This is not a matter of wanting or not wanting, but it is not the current topic. The World Cup cannot wait, but the coach's future can," Martinez stressed.