Portugal Confirms Coming with Full Squad to Mexico Headquarters, Including Ronaldo

Portugal will travel to Mexico for an international friendly next month with full strength.

Launching ESPN, Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the Portugal squad of 26 players for the international break in March 2026.

Ronaldo - the all-time leading scorer in men's international football with 143 goals - was absent for Portugal's last game in 2025, when they won 9-1 against Armenia in their last 2026 World Cup qualifier, November 16, 2025, due to a suspension.

However, the 41-year-old will be available on March 28, 2026 to face Mexico at the newly renovated Azteca Stadium. He will also take the team to the United States three days later for a friendly in Atlanta as part of the 2026 World Cup preparations.

Manager Roberto Martinez recently spoke about the importance of next month's matches in order to finalize the 2026 World Cup roster.

"We have 40 players, all of whom have the potential to be on the 2026 World Cup roster. The two matches in March 2026 are very important for us to narrow the group to 26 teams."

"This is not a game we play just to play. This is an important game for our preparation," said Martinez.

Ronaldo, who helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2025 with a penalty shootout victory over Spain, will become the first player in history to play in six World Cups in 2026.

Portugal are in Group K and begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against the winner of the Intercontinental Playoff 1 on June 17, 2026 before facing Uzbekistan on June 23, 2026. They finish the group stage against Colombia on June 27, 2026.