Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva absent from Portugal squad for USA and Mexico

Roberto Martinez has named a Portugal squad that does not include captain Cristiano Ronaldo or Bernardo Silva as he prepares for friendlies against Mexico and the United States, part of the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. He has chosen a mix of caution and experimentation, leaving his most experienced players out of this international window to protect their fitness after a gruelling domestic calendar.

Martinez described Ronaldo’s absence as temporary: "The World Cup is not at risk! He's not at risk, no. It's a minor muscle injury and we think he can return in a week or two. Everything Cristiano has done physically during the season shows that he's in great shape." On Bernardo Silva he said: "Bernardo Silva, it's a technical decision, based on the medical information that the player's club provided." With the veterans omitted, Martinez sees an opportunity to test emerging talents and tweak tactics ahead of the summer's World Cup in North America.

Portugal, North America

cristiano ronaldo, bernardo silva, roberto martinez, portugal squad, mexico friendly, united states, world cup, muscle injury, emerging talents, team selection