Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of the Portugal squad for the upcoming friendlies ahead of the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026. The 41-year-old is recovering from the muscle injury he sustained while playing for Al-Nassr. The head coach, Roberto Martinez, said he doesn't want to risk him ahead of the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out of Portugal squad with injury, Martinez confirms World Cup isn’t worth the risk
The Portugal head coach, Roberto Martinez, has announced the team for friendlies ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Notably, he didn't name Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad due to the injury of a 41-year-old.
Notably, Ronaldo sustained a muscle injury while playing for Al-Nassr, and as of now, he has not played for the club since February 2026.
Martinez has confirmed that Ronaldo’s absence was purely based on his injury and said he remains central to Portugal’s plans. However, ahead of the big World Cup, he didn't want to take any risk with the fitness of their star player.
Roberto Martinez said, “The World Cup is not at risk! He is not at risk. It is a minor muscle injury, and we think he can return in a week or two,' when a journalist asked him about Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the squad.
Portugal will start their preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico next week. They will face Mexico first and then the United States in Atlanta.
WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo nets first half hat-trick in Al-Nassr’s 8-0 win in Saudi Pro League
Portugal squad:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva
Defenders: Matheus Nunes, Diogo Dalot, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Antonio Silva, Tomas Araujo
Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Mateus Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Rodrigo Mora
Forwards: Ricardo Horta, Pedro Goncalves, João Felix, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos
