Mexico Vs Portugal: Ronaldo ruled out as Portugal head to North America
mexico vs portugal will be played in the March friendly window while Portugal travel to North America, but Cristiano Ronaldo is not in the squad after suffering a hamstring injury. The injury occurred in club action and left him substituted late in a Saudi Pro League match; Portugal named the roster without him on March 20 (ET). Portugal coach Roberto Martínez says the problem is minor and not expected to endanger World Cup plans.
Injury timeline and club reaction
Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute of Al Nassr’s 3-1 Saudi Pro League win at Al Fayha on February 28 (ET) and was later diagnosed with a hamstring injury by his club. Al Nassr said, “Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after the last game against Al Fayha. He started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day. ” The club added that he traveled to Spain as part of his recovery program and missed two league matches while the club monitored him.
Portugal omitted Ronaldo from the March call-up on March 20 (ET), removing him from plans for both the U. S. and mexico vs portugal friendlies in late March. Head coach Roberto Martínez set expectations for a short layoff, saying the player would be out “a week or two” longer, and that the injury likely fits a Grade One hamstring problem rather than a longer Grade Two strain.
Mexico Vs Portugal: squad buildup and broadcast preview
Portugal arrive in North America for a pair of high-profile friendlies as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Seleção podcast previewed the friendlies, with host Danny Pinto joined by Nathan Motz to examine the March 28 (ET) match against Mexico and the March 31 (ET) game against the United States. The podcast discussion framed these fixtures as a final competitive rehearsal before the next squad announcement.
Roberto Martínez pushed back on any suggestion that Ronaldo’s World Cup place is under threat, saying, “No, he’s not in danger. It’s a minor muscle injury, and we think he can be back in a week or two. Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he’s in great shape. ” That reassurance frames Portugal’s immediate planning as the team prepares for mexico vs portugal without its most high-profile name.
What happens next
With mexico vs portugal set for late March and the U. S. friendly to follow, Portugal will use these matches to finalise selections ahead of the summer tournament cycle; the next squad announcement from Roberto Martínez is due in May (ET) and is expected to be the final group for the World Cup build-up. Medical staff will continue day-to-day evaluation of Ronaldo’s hamstring, and Portugal’s coaching staff will monitor his recovery timeline closely while adjusting tactics for the friendlies in North America.
