Portugal FC is set to face Mexico on March 28 and the United States on March 31, as the team prepares for these important friendlies. However, the squad will be without star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been sidelined due to a right hamstring injury sustained on February 28 while playing for Al Nassr.
Head coach Roberto Martínez announced a squad of 27 players for the upcoming matches, confirming that Ronaldo’s recovery is expected within one to two weeks. Martínez stated, “It’s a minor muscle injury. We think he can be back in a week or two. Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows he’s in great shape.” This optimism comes as Portugal looks to maintain momentum in their preparations for the June 2026 World Cup tournament in North America.
In addition to Ronaldo’s injury, Portugal has been making headlines for its impressive performance in the UEFA rankings. The national team has earned a total of 18,900 points this season, the highest in their history, surpassing the previous record of 18,800 points. This achievement has secured Portugal the sixth place in the UEFA rankings, allowing them to have three representatives in the Champions League for the 2027/28 season.
FC Porto’s recent victory has significantly contributed to Portugal’s UEFA ranking record, highlighting the strength of Portuguese clubs on the European stage. The national team’s success is further bolstered by the contributions of players like Gonçalo Guedes, Mateus Fernandes, Bruno Fernandes, and João Félix, who are expected to step up in Ronaldo’s absence.
Meanwhile, former Portuguese player Geraldes has joined Seoul E-Land FC, aiming to help the team challenge for promotion. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m happy to join a great team called Seoul E-Land. The only goal is to help the team get promoted.” Geraldes has a rich history in Portuguese football, having played over 100 games in the first division and previously assisting Diogo Jota’s first goal at the 2017 U-21 European Championship.
As Portugal FC navigates these challenges, the focus remains on the upcoming friendlies and the overall development of the squad. The team’s ability to adapt and perform without their key player will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.