Cristiano Ronaldo absent as Roberto Martinez names Portugal squad

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has announced his 27‑man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing out due to injury. The veteran forward, holder of 226 caps and 143 goals, is absent from a national‑team list for the first time since 2018. Nelson Semedo is also unavailable, while Martinez has opted for a mix of rising prospects and established leaders as preparations intensify ahead of the next major tournament. 

These March fixtures will serve as valuable opportunities to refine tactical structures and assess depth. Without Ronaldo, greater creative and leadership responsibility will fall on Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix and other senior figures, while younger players will have a chance to push for long‑term roles. 

Looking toward the 2026 World Cup, Portugal have been placed in Group K with Uzbekistan and Colombia, with a final opponent to be decided through an intercontinental play‑off involving DR Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia.