Portugal Squad for March: Martinez Announces Players, Ronaldo Out Injured
Lisbon, Portugal – Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has announced a 27-man squad for upcoming friendly matches against Mexico and the United States, serving as key preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the roster is notably without its captain and star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, due to a recent injury.
The Portuguese national team will face Mexico on and the United States on , as they initiate to fine-tune their preparations for the expanded 48-team World Cup tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ronaldo’s absence is a significant blow, stemming from a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Al-Nassr in a Saudi League match against Al-Feiha in late February. Martinez acknowledged the injury as “slight” earlier this week, but has ultimately decided to rest the veteran forward for these friendlies. Despite the injury, Martinez has reassured fans that Ronaldo’s participation in the World Cup itself is not in jeopardy, stating that the injury is minor and he anticipates a return to fitness within one to two weeks. He highlighted Ronaldo’s excellent physical condition this season as a positive indicator.
The squad features a blend of established stars and emerging talent. Goalkeeping duties will be shared by Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton), and Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon). The defensive line includes Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes, Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot, Barcelona’s João Cancelo, Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes, and Sporting Lisbon’s Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, António Silva, and Tomás Araújo.
Midfield options are plentiful, with players like Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal), Samú Costa (Mallorca), Matheus Fernandes (West Ham), João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), and Rodrigo Mora (Porto) all included. The midfield will be crucial in controlling the tempo and providing support to the attack in Ronaldo’s absence.
The attacking line-up boasts a wealth of options, including Ricardo Horta (Braga), Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting Lisbon), João Félix (Al-Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting Lisbon), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Rafael Leão (Milan), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), and Gonçalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain). João Félix’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy, as he joins Ronaldo as one of the Al-Nassr representatives in the squad.
Martinez’s decision to omit Ronaldo allows opportunities for other players to showcase their abilities and stake a claim for a place in the World Cup squad. The friendlies against Mexico and the United States will provide valuable match experience and allow the coach to experiment with different formations and tactical approaches.
The match against Mexico, scheduled for , will be a stern test for the Portuguese side. Mexico, also a co-host of the 2026 World Cup, will be eager to prove their credentials against a European powerhouse. The subsequent match against the United States on , will offer another challenging encounter, providing a glimpse of potential World Cup opponents.
While Ronaldo’s absence is a talking point, the overall quality and depth of the Portuguese squad remain impressive. Martinez has assembled a talented group capable of competing at the highest level, and these friendlies will be a crucial step in their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The focus will be on building team cohesion, experimenting with tactics, and ensuring that the team is fully prepared to challenge for the title when the tournament begins.
The Portuguese team, reigning champions of the UEFA Nations League, will be looking to translate their success in that competition to the global stage. With a mix of experience and youthful exuberance, they are undoubtedly one of the teams to watch in the 2026 World Cup.