Na big news for football fans as Portugal national team dey prepare for 2026 World Cup with friendly match against Mexico tonight. But one big name no go dey on the pitch – Cristiano Ronaldo don miss out because of injury.
The match go hold at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, wey dem just renovate for the upcoming World Cup. This na Portugal first friendly match after dem qualify for the tournament last November. Dem top their European qualifying group to secure their spot.
Cristiano Ronaldo, wey be Portugal captain and record goalscorer, no go feature for the match. The 41-year-old superstar dey manage hamstring injury wey he carry from Saudi Pro League match for Al Nassr against Al Fayha on February 28, 2026.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez don confirm say Ronaldo no go play against Mexico or the next friendly against United States of America wey go hold March 31 for Atlanta, Georgia. Martinez talk say the injury na minor one and Ronaldo fit return within one or two weeks.
“Everything Cristiano don do physically this season show say he dey through excellent spell and no get physical problems,” Martinez talk during press conference. “For World Cup, the centre-forward position go be for Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos.”
Ronaldo last appearance for Portugal na against Ireland for World Cup qualifier in November, where Portugal lose 2-0 away. The striker collect red card for that match, make he miss the next game against Armenia wey Portugal win 9-1 at home.
The red card no go affect Ronaldo for future matches, but the hamstring injury na wetin dey keep am out now. Ronaldo currently dey receive treatment for the injury and dey work towards full recovery before World Cup start.
This 2026 World Cup go be Ronaldo sixth appearance at the tournament if he fit play, wey go make am hold record alone. Portugal first match for World Cup go be June 17 for Houston against winner of ongoing playoff tournament.
Ronaldo last play for United States soil for 2014 during Real Madrid preseason tour. He visit US last November for White House event hosted by Donald Trump in honor of Mohammed bin Salman, but that one no be football match.
Portugal coach Martinez talk say this March friendly matches na last chance to experiment before World Cup squad selection. “This na the last chance to experiment, because na final training camp before World Cup squad go name,” Martinez explain.
Despite the injury concern, Martinez don assure fans say Ronaldo World Cup participation no dey under threat. The coach talk say Ronaldo expected to return in national team colours right in time before FIFA World Cup 2026 start.
Ronaldo, wey already score over 960 career goals and dey close to 1,000 goals milestone, still dey active for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner lead Portugal to their first international trophy for men’s football – the European Championship for 2016.
For Mexico side, dem dey use this match as preparation as co-hosts of 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and United States. The match go give both teams opportunity to test their squads before the big tournament.
Portugal qualification for World Cup come after impressive qualifying campaign where dem top their group. The team dey look to build on their recent performances as dem prepare for tournament wey go hold across North America.
Ronaldo absence go give other Portugal players chance to show their skills. Coach Martinez mention say dem dey look for third striker with different profile to complement Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos for World Cup squad.
The friendly match against Mexico go hold tonight at Estadio Azteca, wey na historic stadium wey don host many important football matches before. Both teams dey expected to field strong squads despite Ronaldo absence.
Football fans worldwide dey watch closely as Portugal continue their World Cup preparations. The team performance for these friendlies go give indication of how dem fit perform for the main tournament.
Ronaldo recovery process dey monitor closely by Portugal medical team. The player don post pictures of himself recovering and training, show say he dey work hard to return to full fitness.
As Portugal face Mexico tonight, all eyes go dey on how the team go perform without their star player. The match go serve as important test for both teams as dem prepare for 2026 World Cup.
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