The Portugal national football team is gearing up for its next match against the USA on March 31, 2026, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. This encounter comes on the heels of a recent friendly match against Mexico, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Portugal’s performance in the upcoming World Cup campaign is crucial, particularly given the current fitness concerns surrounding star player Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old forward, who has scored 25 goals in the last 30 games for Portugal, was not named to the March roster due to a muscle injury.

Ronaldo holds the men’s all-time international scoring record with 143 goals in 226 appearances since his debut in 2003. His leadership and experience are seen as vital for the team’s success, as emphasized by head coach Roberto Martínez, who stated, “Cristiano is our captain, a role model and a player with a real hunger.” However, Martínez also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s future, saying, “The end of his career? We don’t know. It’s hard to say.”

Portugal is currently ranked sixth in the Coca-Cola FIFA Men’s World Rankings and had a successful 2025, finishing with a record of 7 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. The team also won the UEFA Nations League title in 2025, defeating Spain 5-3 on penalties.

Bruno Fernandes, the most-capped player on the Portugal roster with 85 international appearances, is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming matches. He has been in excellent form, scoring 9 goals in the last match against Armenia and providing 16 assists in the last 27 league matches.

João Félix and Rafael Leão are also key players to watch, with Félix scoring 15 goals for Al-Nassr this season. Their contributions will be essential as Portugal looks to build momentum heading into the World Cup.

The last meeting between the USA and Portugal ended in a 1-1 draw in November 2017, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming match. As the team prepares, the focus will be on maintaining fitness levels and ensuring that key players are ready to perform.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full roster for the upcoming match against the USA, but the team’s recent performances and historical context suggest a competitive encounter is on the horizon.