Portugal looks set to ramp up its preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as it takes on Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Saturday.

The team secured its spot in the quadrennial showpiece with a 9-1 demolition of Armenia and is scheduled to face Mexico and the United States of America, two co-hosts of the tournament, in the March-April period.

But one of the major talking points remains the availability of Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, the country’s record goalscorer, and the captain expected to play his last-ever World Cup later this year.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing in the Mexico vs Portugal international friendly?

No, Cristiano Ronaldo is not playing in the international friendly between Mexico and Portugal. He has been left out of the matchday squad.

Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing in the Mexico vs Portugal international friendly?

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently nursing a hamstring injury and, hence, he was ruled out of the international friendly between Mexico and Portugal. At 41 years of age, fitness will be paramount for the Portugal captain, with the World Cup just a few months away.

The 41-year-old has not played for his Saudi club Al-Nassr since the end of February.

When will Cristiano Ronaldo be back for Portugal?

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return in national team colours right in time before the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“It’s a minor injury,” Martinez said at a press conference, adding that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could be back “within one or two weeks”.

“Everything Cristiano has done physically during this season shows that he’s going through an excellent spell and that there are no physical problems.

“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.”

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

Published on Mar 29, 2026