Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Portugal’s latest national team squad ahead of key World Cup preparation matches, with officials citing injury concerns.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez confirmed that the 41-year-old captain was not selected for upcoming friendly matches against Mexico and the United States due to a muscle injury sustained while playing for his club, Al Nassr.
The forward has been recovering from a hamstring issue picked up in late February and has undergone treatment in Spain in recent weeks.
Martínez described the decision as precautionary, stressing that Ronaldo is not expected to miss the World Cup itself. “It’s a minor injury… we think he can be back in a week or two,” the coach said while announcing the squad.
The omission has drawn attention given Ronaldo’s status as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and captain, as well as his expected participation in what could be his sixth World Cup.
In his absence, players including Bruno Fernandes, João Félix and Gonçalo Guedes have been called up to lead the attacking line, as Portugal uses the friendlies to test squad depth and fitness ahead of the tournament.
The upcoming matches are part of Portugal’s final preparations before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
While Ronaldo’s absence is temporary, it highlights ongoing concerns about fitness and squad transition as Portugal balances experience with emerging talent heading into the global tournament.
