Ronaldo, Dias, Silva Out: Martinez Names Portugal Squad for Mexico, US Friendlies

Coach Roberto Martinez announced Portugal Spain

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez announces squad for Mexico and US friendlies, with Mateus Fernandes getting first call-up and Cristiano Ronaldo missing due to injury.

Portugal's squad for upcoming friendlies features returns and new faces, but big names like Ronaldo...

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has announced his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States, and it's a mixed bag. Mateus Fernandes has received his first-ever call-up to the senior team, which is exciting news for the young player. On the other hand, big names like Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Cristiano Ronaldo are out due to injuries.

The squad includes some familiar faces like Rodrigo Mora, Ricardo Horta, Samu Costa, and Goncalo Guedes, who are making their returns. The team will be looking to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, and these friendlies are a great opportunity to test their skills against top-notch opponents.

Martinez had hinted at addressing Portugal's third striker shortage during the March training camp, and it seems he's sticking to his guns. Despite the need for another striker, Martinez only picked Goncalo Ramos and Goncalo Guedes, leaving out Paulinho (Toluca), Fabio Silva (Borussia Dortmund), Claudio Braga (Hearts), and Chermiti (Rangers).

The coach's decision might be a surprise, but he's looking to strengthen other areas of the team. With Ronaldo injured, Ramos and Guedes will lead the attack. Let's see how they perform against Mexico and the US.

Mateus Fernandes' first-ever call-up to Portugal's senior team is the big news here. He's joined by returning players like Tomás Araújo, Rodrigo Mora, Ricardo Horta, and Samu Costa, who are looking to make an impact.

On the flip side, injuries are taking some big names out of the game - captain Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva are all missing due to injuries, following consultations with Manchester City's medical staff. These friendlies against Mexico and the US will be tough tests for Portugal's squad.

Fenerbahce's Nelson Semedo and Tottenham's Joao Palhinha are also out, joining the likes of Ronaldo and Dias on the injury sidelines. Carlos Forbs, who was part of the previous squad, is left out this time around, with Martinez citing technical reasons.

Martinez has a point about the Americas trip, though - it's a smart move to acclimate the team to the altitude and humidity they'll face at the 2026 World Cup. The friendlies against Mexico and the US will be a tough test, but Portugal's looking to use it to their advantage.

Portugal is set to face off against tough opponents in Group K at the 2026 World Cup. They're currently grouped with Uzbekistan, Colombia, and a third team yet to be determined, which will come from the intercontinental playoff between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jamaica, and New Caledonia.

The playoff winner will join Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K, making for some exciting matches. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to lead his team to victory in what might be his final World Cup.

Portugal will face Mexico in the early hours of March 29th, at 02:00 CET, at Estadio Azteca Banorte (Mexico City), before visiting the Americans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 31st, with kick-off scheduled for 00:07 CET.

Portugal squad

Goalkeepers

Diogo Costa (FC Porto)

Jose Sa (Wolves)

Rui Silva (Sporting)

Defenders

Matheus Nunes (Manchester City)

Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)

Joao Cancelo (Barcelona)

Nuno Mendes (PSG)

Goncalo Inácio (Sporting)

Renato Veiga (Villarreal)

Antonio Silva (Benfica)

Tomás Araújo (Benfica)

Midfielders

Ruben Neves (Al Hilal)

Vitinha (PSG)

Mateus Fernandes (West Ham)

Samu Costa (Mallorca)

Joao Neves (PSG)

Vitinha (PSG)

Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto)

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Forwards

Ricardo Horta (SC Braga)

Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting)

Joao Félix (Al Nassr)

Francisco Trincao (Sporting)

Francisco Conceicao (Juventus)

Pedro Neto (Chelsea)

Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

Goncalo Guedes (Villarreal)

Goncalo Ramos (PSG)

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