“It’s a Minor Injury” – Cristiano Ronaldo Left Portugal Squad as Hamstring Trouble Forces Friendly Absence

Cristiano Ronaldo has not been included in the Portugal national football team squad for upcoming international friendlies against Mexico national football team and the United States men's national soccer team as he continues to recover from a hamstring issue.

The forward has not featured for Al-Nassr since late February, but head coach Roberto Martinez indicated the injury is not serious and expects a quick return. “It's a minor injury,” Martinez said at a press conference, adding that Ronaldo could be back “within one or two weeks”.

Martinez also dismissed concerns about Ronaldo’s long-term fitness ahead of the global tournament. “Everything Cristiano has done physically during this season shows that he's going through an excellent spell and that there are no physical problems,” he said. 

He further confirmed the striker’s role in the squad, stating: “At the World Cup, the centre-forward position will be for Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos. We are looking for a third striker with a different profile.”

Final Preparations Before World Cup

Portugal are scheduled to play Mexico on March 28 in Mexico City, followed by a fixture against the United States in Atlanta. Martinez described the matches as the final opportunity to assess combinations before naming the Football World Cup 2026 squad.

“This is the last chance to experiment, because it's the final training camp before the World Cup squad is named,” he said.

The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will run from June 11 to July 19. Portugal have been drawn in Group K alongside Colombia and Uzbekistan, with one remaining spot to be decided through a qualifying play-off.

Portugal have named a full-strength squad despite Ronaldo’s absence, with players from top European clubs included across all departments. The selection features a mix of experienced internationals and younger options as the team builds towards the World Cup.