Portugal vs Mexico: Cristiano Ronaldo to Headline Stadium Reopening

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s upcoming friendly matches against Mexico and the United States as he continues to recover from a right hamstring injury, according to announcements made on March 20, 2026.

The 41-year-old captain sustained the injury whereas playing for Al Nassr on February 28, prompting travel to Madrid for treatment over the past two weeks. He will not participate in the match against Mexico at the renovated Azteca Stadium on March 28, nor will he feature in the game against the United States on March 31 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez addressed concerns about Ronaldo’s availability for the World Cup, stating, “No, he’s not in danger,” and characterizing the injury as “a minor muscle injury” with an expected recovery time of “a week or two.” Martínez emphasized Ronaldo’s physical condition, noting, “Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he’s in great shape.”

Ronaldo’s absence from the squad marks the second consecutive international absence for the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, having previously missed Portugal’s 9-1 victory over Armenia in November 2025 due to suspension. He has not played in the U.S. Since a 2014 preseason tour with Real Madrid.

Portugal is scheduled to begin its World Cup campaign on June 17 in Houston, Texas, against a team determined by this month’s playoff tournament. The team will too face Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K. The Portuguese FA confirmed Ronaldo will not travel with the team to the U.S. For the friendlies.

Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus previously stated that Ronaldo needed “rest and treatment” after sustaining the injury against Al Fayha. A scheduled match between Ronaldo’s club and Al Wasl of the United Arab Emirates in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League Two was postponed due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Ronaldo, who has 226 senior international appearances and 143 goals for Portugal, has been the nation’s captain since 2008.