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Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in Mexico vs Portugal FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up match?

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in Mexico vs Portugal FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up match?

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

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Deadspin | Against Red Sox, Tarik Skubal strives to squash Tigers’ road losing streak      Apr 12, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images   With two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal taking the mound, a pitchers’ duel could be on tap as the visiting Detroit Tigers look to even their four-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon.  Skubal (2-2, 2.22 ERA), a left-hander, will try to play the role of stopper as Detroit’s road skid reached nine games with a 1-0, 10-inning setback in Friday’s series opener. Before Friday though, the Tigers had been on a six-game winning streak, with home sweeps of the Miami Marlins and Kansas City Royals.  Masataka Yoshida’s pinch-hit single scored Jarren Duran with the only run in a game Friday that featured just four hits for each team. For Detroit, Jahmai Jones had two.  Skubal will make his first start at Fenway Park since 2023. Last Sunday, in an 8-2 win over the Marlins, he threw 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts but thought he could do better. He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning.  “My stuff wasn’t good,” Skubal said. “But those things happen in baseball. It’s not always when you have your best stuff. If that was the case, it would be easy to predict our game. It’s just not like that.”  Skubal carries a 2-2 record and 4.91 ERA against Boston into Saturday’s game, his sixth start vs. the Red Sox. Most recently, he allowed five runs on seven hits while striking out 11 in a May 14, 2025, no-decision in a game the Tigers won 6-5.  Before Friday’s first pitch, Detroit placed infielder Zach McKinstry on the 10-day injured list with left hip/abdominal inflammation and recalled No. 6 prospect Hao-Yu Lee from Triple-A Toledo for his MLB debut. He went 0-for-3.  “We’re excited for Lee to get his feet wet in the big leagues,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We’ve had him in camp the last couple of seasons. … He can play good defense. He’s a good baseball player.”  Beyond Jones, Kevin McGonigle had another hit, giving him 22 and a .306 average to lead all AL rookies.   An eight-inning start from Ranger Suarez helped set the stage for Boston’s second consecutive win on Friday, but it took an extra frame and Yoshida’s first career walk-off knock to get the job done.   Yoshida has just 29 at-bats this season, though he is on a six-game hitting streak.  “In these situations, I know how he feels; you want to play,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “We got him for a reason here (from Japan), and he’s been banged up, and now all of a sudden, this is how we’re going to play the game … with this roster and we’re going to maximize it, but it’s not easy.”  The Friday shutout win was Boston’s third of the season and second in as many home games.  Brayan Bello (1-1, 6.14 ERA) will look to throw his own gem on Saturday. The right-hander gave up a total of 10 runs (eight earned) in his first two starts before earning his first win with 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball last Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 9-3 game.  “When I’m staying in the zone, this is the result that you get,” Bello said after the game. “When I’m executing all of my pitches, being aggressive in the zone, this is what happens.”  Bello is 0-1 with a 5.74 ERA in three career starts against Detroit. He took a no-decision in a 10-9 Tigers win on May 13, 2025, after allowing three runs (two earned) in 4 2/3 innings.   –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Red #Sox #Tarik #Skubal #strives #squash #Tigers #road #losing #streakApr 12, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

With two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal taking the mound, a pitchers’ duel could be on tap as the visiting Detroit Tigers look to even their four-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon.

Skubal (2-2, 2.22 ERA), a left-hander, will try to play the role of stopper as Detroit’s road skid reached nine games with a 1-0, 10-inning setback in Friday’s series opener. Before Friday though, the Tigers had been on a six-game winning streak, with home sweeps of the Miami Marlins and Kansas City Royals.

Masataka Yoshida’s pinch-hit single scored Jarren Duran with the only run in a game Friday that featured just four hits for each team. For Detroit, Jahmai Jones had two.

Skubal will make his first start at Fenway Park since 2023. Last Sunday, in an 8-2 win over the Marlins, he threw 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts but thought he could do better. He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

“My stuff wasn’t good,” Skubal said. “But those things happen in baseball. It’s not always when you have your best stuff. If that was the case, it would be easy to predict our game. It’s just not like that.”

Skubal carries a 2-2 record and 4.91 ERA against Boston into Saturday’s game, his sixth start vs. the Red Sox. Most recently, he allowed five runs on seven hits while striking out 11 in a May 14, 2025, no-decision in a game the Tigers won 6-5.

Before Friday’s first pitch, Detroit placed infielder Zach McKinstry on the 10-day injured list with left hip/abdominal inflammation and recalled No. 6 prospect Hao-Yu Lee from Triple-A Toledo for his MLB debut. He went 0-for-3.

“We’re excited for Lee to get his feet wet in the big leagues,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We’ve had him in camp the last couple of seasons. … He can play good defense. He’s a good baseball player.”


Beyond Jones, Kevin McGonigle had another hit, giving him 22 and a .306 average to lead all AL rookies.

An eight-inning start from Ranger Suarez helped set the stage for Boston’s second consecutive win on Friday, but it took an extra frame and Yoshida’s first career walk-off knock to get the job done.

Yoshida has just 29 at-bats this season, though he is on a six-game hitting streak.

“In these situations, I know how he feels; you want to play,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “We got him for a reason here (from Japan), and he’s been banged up, and now all of a sudden, this is how we’re going to play the game … with this roster and we’re going to maximize it, but it’s not easy.”

The Friday shutout win was Boston’s third of the season and second in as many home games.

Brayan Bello (1-1, 6.14 ERA) will look to throw his own gem on Saturday. The right-hander gave up a total of 10 runs (eight earned) in his first two starts before earning his first win with 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball last Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 9-3 game.

“When I’m staying in the zone, this is the result that you get,” Bello said after the game. “When I’m executing all of my pitches, being aggressive in the zone, this is what happens.”

Bello is 0-1 with a 5.74 ERA in three career starts against Detroit. He took a no-decision in a 10-9 Tigers win on May 13, 2025, after allowing three runs (two earned) in 4 2/3 innings.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #Tarik #Skubal #strives #squash #Tigers #road #losing #streak">Deadspin | Against Red Sox, Tarik Skubal strives to squash Tigers’ road losing streak      Apr 12, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images   With two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal taking the mound, a pitchers’ duel could be on tap as the visiting Detroit Tigers look to even their four-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon.  Skubal (2-2, 2.22 ERA), a left-hander, will try to play the role of stopper as Detroit’s road skid reached nine games with a 1-0, 10-inning setback in Friday’s series opener. Before Friday though, the Tigers had been on a six-game winning streak, with home sweeps of the Miami Marlins and Kansas City Royals.  Masataka Yoshida’s pinch-hit single scored Jarren Duran with the only run in a game Friday that featured just four hits for each team. For Detroit, Jahmai Jones had two.  Skubal will make his first start at Fenway Park since 2023. Last Sunday, in an 8-2 win over the Marlins, he threw 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts but thought he could do better. He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning.  “My stuff wasn’t good,” Skubal said. “But those things happen in baseball. It’s not always when you have your best stuff. If that was the case, it would be easy to predict our game. It’s just not like that.”  Skubal carries a 2-2 record and 4.91 ERA against Boston into Saturday’s game, his sixth start vs. the Red Sox. Most recently, he allowed five runs on seven hits while striking out 11 in a May 14, 2025, no-decision in a game the Tigers won 6-5.  Before Friday’s first pitch, Detroit placed infielder Zach McKinstry on the 10-day injured list with left hip/abdominal inflammation and recalled No. 6 prospect Hao-Yu Lee from Triple-A Toledo for his MLB debut. He went 0-for-3.  “We’re excited for Lee to get his feet wet in the big leagues,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We’ve had him in camp the last couple of seasons. … He can play good defense. He’s a good baseball player.”  Beyond Jones, Kevin McGonigle had another hit, giving him 22 and a .306 average to lead all AL rookies.   An eight-inning start from Ranger Suarez helped set the stage for Boston’s second consecutive win on Friday, but it took an extra frame and Yoshida’s first career walk-off knock to get the job done.   Yoshida has just 29 at-bats this season, though he is on a six-game hitting streak.  “In these situations, I know how he feels; you want to play,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “We got him for a reason here (from Japan), and he’s been banged up, and now all of a sudden, this is how we’re going to play the game … with this roster and we’re going to maximize it, but it’s not easy.”  The Friday shutout win was Boston’s third of the season and second in as many home games.  Brayan Bello (1-1, 6.14 ERA) will look to throw his own gem on Saturday. The right-hander gave up a total of 10 runs (eight earned) in his first two starts before earning his first win with 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball last Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 9-3 game.  “When I’m staying in the zone, this is the result that you get,” Bello said after the game. “When I’m executing all of my pitches, being aggressive in the zone, this is what happens.”  Bello is 0-1 with a 5.74 ERA in three career starts against Detroit. He took a no-decision in a 10-9 Tigers win on May 13, 2025, after allowing three runs (two earned) in 4 2/3 innings.   –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Red #Sox #Tarik #Skubal #strives #squash #Tigers #road #losing #streak

New Jersey’s ​decision to charge $150 for a round-trip transit to World ⁠Cup games will have a “chilling effect” on fans, FIFA has warned as the fare represents a 10-fold increase from the usual $15 for the route.

The ‌dramatic price hike adds to the cost of World Cup match tickets, which can run into the thousands ‌of dollars, especially on the resale market. The MetLife Stadium ‌is ⁠set to host eight matches, including the July 19 ⁠final.

New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri had defended the pricing, citing higher passenger volumes due to closed public parking around the stadium and increased costs from ​World Cup security requirements.

Heimo Schirgi, ‌the Chief Operating Officer for the 2026 World Cup, said the price increase would force fans to look at alternative options.

“The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. ‌Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options,” Schirgi ​said in a statement.

ALSO READ | France to complete preparation against Northern Ireland on Jun

“This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately ⁠diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.

“Furthermore, to arbitrarily set elevated prices ‌and demand FIFA absorb these costs is unprecedented. No other global event, concert or major sporting promoter has faced such a demand.”

GOVERNOR SAYS ‘FIFA SHOULD PAY’

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill previously said NJ TRANSIT had been “stuck with a $48-million bill” to ensure fan safety while FIFA was making $11 billion.

“I’m not going to stick New Jersey ‌commuters with that tab for years to come. FIFA should pay for the ​rides,” Sherrill said.

FIFA refuted Sherrill’s claim, saying they were generating $11 billion in revenue, not profits.

“FIFA has always been ⁠a not-for-profit organisation as per our statutes. Revenues from the FIFA World ⁠Cup are reinvested into developing the game of football, particularly for youth and women, worldwide,” Schirgi added.

“Lastly, we applaud ‌our host city partners across the country who embraced this opportunity to showcase their region to visitors by providing low ​cost and often unchanged rates for mass transit.”

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Jerseys #transit #fare #chilling #effect #fans #FIFA #warns">New Jersey’s 0 transit fare will have ‘chilling effect’ on fans, FIFA warns  New Jersey’s ​decision to charge 0 for a round-trip transit to World ⁠Cup games will have a “chilling effect” on fans, FIFA has warned as the fare represents a 10-fold increase from the usual  for the route.The ‌dramatic price hike adds to the cost of World Cup match tickets, which can run into the thousands ‌of dollars, especially on the resale market. The MetLife Stadium ‌is ⁠set to host eight matches, including the July 19 ⁠final.New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri had defended the pricing, citing higher passenger volumes due to closed public parking around the stadium and increased costs from ​World Cup security requirements.Heimo Schirgi, ‌the Chief Operating Officer for the 2026 World Cup, said the price increase would force fans to look at alternative options.“The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. ‌Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options,” Schirgi ​said in a statement.ALSO READ | France to complete preparation against Northern Ireland on Jun“This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately ⁠diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.“Furthermore, to arbitrarily set elevated prices ‌and demand FIFA absorb these costs is unprecedented. No other global event, concert or major sporting promoter has faced such a demand.”GOVERNOR SAYS ‘FIFA SHOULD PAY’New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill previously said NJ TRANSIT had been “stuck with a -million bill” to ensure fan safety while FIFA was making  billion.“I’m not going to stick New Jersey ‌commuters with that tab for years to come. FIFA should pay for the ​rides,” Sherrill said.FIFA refuted Sherrill’s claim, saying they were generating  billion in revenue, not profits.“FIFA has always been ⁠a not-for-profit organisation as per our statutes. Revenues from the FIFA World ⁠Cup are reinvested into developing the game of football, particularly for youth and women, worldwide,” Schirgi added.“Lastly, we applaud ‌our host city partners across the country who embraced this opportunity to showcase their region to visitors by providing low ​cost and often unchanged rates for mass transit.”Published on Apr 18, 2026  #Jerseys #transit #fare #chilling #effect #fans #FIFA #warns

France to complete preparation against Northern Ireland on Jun

“This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately ⁠diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.

“Furthermore, to arbitrarily set elevated prices ‌and demand FIFA absorb these costs is unprecedented. No other global event, concert or major sporting promoter has faced such a demand.”

GOVERNOR SAYS ‘FIFA SHOULD PAY’

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill previously said NJ TRANSIT had been “stuck with a $48-million bill” to ensure fan safety while FIFA was making $11 billion.

“I’m not going to stick New Jersey ‌commuters with that tab for years to come. FIFA should pay for the ​rides,” Sherrill said.

FIFA refuted Sherrill’s claim, saying they were generating $11 billion in revenue, not profits.

“FIFA has always been ⁠a not-for-profit organisation as per our statutes. Revenues from the FIFA World ⁠Cup are reinvested into developing the game of football, particularly for youth and women, worldwide,” Schirgi added.

“Lastly, we applaud ‌our host city partners across the country who embraced this opportunity to showcase their region to visitors by providing low ​cost and often unchanged rates for mass transit.”

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Jerseys #transit #fare #chilling #effect #fans #FIFA #warns">New Jersey’s $150 transit fare will have ‘chilling effect’ on fans, FIFA warns

New Jersey’s ​decision to charge $150 for a round-trip transit to World ⁠Cup games will have a “chilling effect” on fans, FIFA has warned as the fare represents a 10-fold increase from the usual $15 for the route.

The ‌dramatic price hike adds to the cost of World Cup match tickets, which can run into the thousands ‌of dollars, especially on the resale market. The MetLife Stadium ‌is ⁠set to host eight matches, including the July 19 ⁠final.

New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri had defended the pricing, citing higher passenger volumes due to closed public parking around the stadium and increased costs from ​World Cup security requirements.

Heimo Schirgi, ‌the Chief Operating Officer for the 2026 World Cup, said the price increase would force fans to look at alternative options.

“The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. ‌Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options,” Schirgi ​said in a statement.

ALSO READ | France to complete preparation against Northern Ireland on Jun

“This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately ⁠diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.

“Furthermore, to arbitrarily set elevated prices ‌and demand FIFA absorb these costs is unprecedented. No other global event, concert or major sporting promoter has faced such a demand.”

GOVERNOR SAYS ‘FIFA SHOULD PAY’

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill previously said NJ TRANSIT had been “stuck with a $48-million bill” to ensure fan safety while FIFA was making $11 billion.

“I’m not going to stick New Jersey ‌commuters with that tab for years to come. FIFA should pay for the ​rides,” Sherrill said.

FIFA refuted Sherrill’s claim, saying they were generating $11 billion in revenue, not profits.

“FIFA has always been ⁠a not-for-profit organisation as per our statutes. Revenues from the FIFA World ⁠Cup are reinvested into developing the game of football, particularly for youth and women, worldwide,” Schirgi added.

“Lastly, we applaud ‌our host city partners across the country who embraced this opportunity to showcase their region to visitors by providing low ​cost and often unchanged rates for mass transit.”

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Jerseys #transit #fare #chilling #effect #fans #FIFA #warns

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