The Mexican Football Federation has confirmed that its national team could face Ronaldo and his teammates in a friendly match against Portugal on 28/3. This game coincides with the end of Ronaldo's suspension.

Ronaldo received a direct red card for elbowing an opponent during a World Cup qualifier on 13/11, where Portugal lost 0-2 to the Republic of Ireland. FIFA's subsequent decision to issue a one-match mandatory ban and a two-match probationary suspension for one year drew controversy. Had he received a two-match mandatory ban, as seen in other direct red card cases, the forward would have missed the opening match of the World Cup finals.

Ronaldo served his mandatory one-match ban when Portugal defeated Armenia 9-1 on 16/11.

Cristiano Ronaldo hands the captain's armband to Bernardo Silva after receiving a direct red card during Portugal's 0-2 loss to the Republic of Ireland on 13/11. Photo: Reuters

Three days after the match against Mexico, Portugal will play a friendly against the United States, another World Cup host nation. Before the finals begin, Ronaldo and his teammates may play one or two more friendlies, allowing coach Roberto Martinez to review the squad.

The World Cup finals will take place from 11/6 to 19/7 next year across three host nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. On 5/12, FIFA will conduct the draw in Washington, United States, dividing the 48 participating teams into 12 groups. Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each group and the 8 best third-placed teams will advance. From the round of 16, teams will compete in direct elimination matches.

The 9 top-ranked teams in the FIFA standings – Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany – along with the three host nations, will be placed in pot one. This ensures they avoid strong opponents in the group stage.

Pot two includes: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, and Australia.

Pot three consists of: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.

Pot four comprises: Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curacao, Haiti, New Zealand, and the six playoff winners. Playoff matches are scheduled for March.

Thanh Quy (according to ESPN)