Portugal Without Cristiano Ronaldo Tested by US and Mexico

The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from the Portuguese national team squad for two friendly matches against the United States and Mexico has drawn attention. This marks a significant break for the captain in the international calendar leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo was confirmed absent for the friendlies after his name was not included in the squad list announced by the FPF (Portuguese Football Federation) via its official website on Friday.

This decision follows coach Jorge Jesus's statement earlier this month. He stated Ronaldo flew to Spain to undergo treatment for a Hamstring Injury.

The 41-year-old striker was absent when Al Nassr won against Neom and Al Khaleej in the Saudi Arabian League.

Al Nassr was scheduled to play against Al Wasl from the United Arab Emirates in the AFC Champions League Two, before the match was postponed due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Ronaldo has been Portugal's captain since 2008 and is also the nation's all-time top scorer with 143 goals.

Portugal is scheduled to face one of New Caledonia, Jamaica, or the Democratic Republic of Congo in their World Cup group opener at NRG Stadium, Houston, on June 17. 

Besides one of those three nations, Portugal will also face Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K.

Ronaldo was previously at risk of missing the first two matches of the tournament after receiving a red card in a qualifying match against Ireland.

However, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee suspended the final two matches of the three-match ban for a one-year probationary period.

Amid Ronaldo's absence, Portugal still brings a combination of young and experienced players. 

Names like Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, and Goncalo Ramos are predicted to be the mainstays of the attack in these two friendlies. These friendlies present an opportunity for Jorge Jesus to test the depth of his squad without their iconic figure.

This situation provides Portugal with an evaluation opportunity, but it also underscores one thing: even without Ronaldo, his lingering influence continues to shape the team's path towards 2026.