Portugal's Squad Announced for Pre-World Cup Friendlies Amid Key Player Absences

Portugal's national football team manager Roberto Martinez has revealed the squad for upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the USA. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo is sidelined due to a minor muscle injury, while Bernardo Silva's absence is attributed to a technical decision. The team will begin training in Mexico ahead of their World Cup campaign, where they are grouped with Uzbekistan and Colombia. Martinez reassured fans about Ronaldo's fitness, stating he could return soon. The full squad includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, setting the stage for an exciting lead-up to the World Cup.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 22:07 IST

Key Player Omissions

Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic striker, will not participate due to a minor muscle injury. Additionally, Bernardo Silva from Manchester City has been excluded from the squad, with manager Roberto Martinez citing a 'technical decision' for his absence.

Upcoming Matches

Portugal is set to face Mexico on March 28 at the Azteca Banorte Stadium, followed by a match against the USA on March 31 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Training Schedule and World Cup Group Details

According to the team's announcement, training will commence in Mexico next Tuesday, with players gathering on Monday. In the World Cup, Portugal is placed in Group K alongside Uzbekistan and Colombia, kicking off their campaign against the qualifier team on June 17 in Houston.

Martinez Addresses Player Exclusions

Martinez reassured fans regarding Ronaldo's condition, stating, 'The World Cup is not at risk! He is not at risk. It is a minor muscle injury, and we believe he can return in a week or two. Cristiano has shown great physical form throughout the season.'

Regarding Silva, he mentioned, 'Bernardo Silva's exclusion is a technical decision based on medical information provided by his club.'

Portugal's Squad for Friendlies

The following players have been called up by Roberto Martinez for the friendlies:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP).

Defenders: Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), João Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Antonio Silva (SL Benfica), Tomas Araujo (SL Benfica).

Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), Joao Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto).

Forwards: Ricardo Horta (SC Braga), Pedro Goncalves (Sporting CP), João Felix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceicão (Juventus), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (PSG).