Portugal legend Pauleta backs Cristiano Ronaldo for starting role with national team at 2026 World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo has defied expectations, and at 41 years old, the striker remains a key figure in Roberto Martinez’s Portugal setup. Set to feature in yet another World Cup in 2026, Selecao legend Pedro Pauleta has come out in support of Ronaldo, calling for him to be a starter for the national team. Due to his recent injury with Al Nassr, Ronaldo is the most notable absentee from the Portugal squad for the upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States, a group that will also be without Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva. Even so, his standing within the team is not in question, either for head coach Roberto Martinez or, as made clear this week, for one of the country’s greatest legends. In an interview with A Bola’s 90+3 program, Pauleta, Portugal’s historic all-time leading scorer before Ronaldo, was asked about Ronaldo’s role at the 2026 World Cup and left no room for ambiguity: “Cristiano Ronaldo, from the moment he joined the national team squad, he should be a starter. We know he can decide any match at any moment.” Far from showing any sign of decline, Ronaldo leads the scoring charts under Roberto Martinez with 25 goals in 36 matches as Portugal head coach. “And we know he will continue scoring goals as long as he plays football, and he will always keep scoring,” Pauleta added. Pauleta’s endorsement comes at a meaningful time, given that Ronaldo’s role at the last World Cup was not without controversy.#cristiano_ronaldo #roberto_martinez #pedro_pauleta #portugal_national_team #a_bola
Cristiano Ronaldo to miss Portugal games vs. USMNT, Mexico Cristiano Ronaldo has been excluded from Portugal’s squad for the March World Cup warmup matches against Mexico and the United States due to a lingering right hamstring injury. The 41-year-old captain, who sustained the muscle problem while playing for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr on February 28, has undergone treatment in Madrid over the past two weeks but remains unavailable for the games scheduled for March 28 and March 31. Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, confirmed that Ronaldo is not at risk of missing the team’s record sixth World Cup campaign. The injury has prevented Ronaldo from participating in recent international fixtures, including Portugal’s 9-1 victory over Armenia in their final World Cup qualifier on November 16, where he was suspended. Martínez emphasized that the injury is minor and that Ronaldo is expected to return to full fitness within a week or two. “Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he’s in great shape,” the coach stated when announcing the 27-man squad on Friday. Ronaldo’s absence from the squad means Portugal will rely on other players to fill the void. João Félix, his Al Nassr teammate, and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, who has recorded seven goals and 16 assists in 27 league games this season, have been included. West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, making his debut for the national team, and Real Sociedad’s Gonçalo Guedes, returning after a two-year absence, are also part of the squad. Martínez highlighted Guedes’ recent form, noting that the winger has scored nine goals this season and is in excellent shape. “He’s a versatile player and a game-changing striker,” the coach said.#al_nassr #portugal #mexico #roberto_martinez #crisitano_ronaldo
Mexico vs Portugal Prediction, Odds and Picks Mexico will face Portugal in an international friendly on Saturday, March 28, at Banorte Stadium in Mexico City. The match, scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, is expected to be a low-scoring affair, with both teams prioritizing control and possession over aggressive attacking play. Mexico’s defensive structure, led by manager Javier Aguirre, has historically struggled to generate goals, as evidenced by their 9 out of 14 matches in the past year failing to exceed 2.5 goals. This trend is likely to continue against a Portugal side that may not field its full strength due to European domestic commitments under manager Roberto Martinez. The under 2.5 goals market is favored at -125 odds, reflecting the anticipated low-scoring nature of the contest. While Mexico’s squad boasts talent, their focus on defensive solidity and tactical discipline may limit offensive opportunities. Portugal, though not at full strength, could still pose a threat through organized play and set pieces. The game is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams likely adopting a cautious approach to minimize risks. Betting options highlight the under 2.5 goals line as the most probable outcome, with odds set at -125. Fans should expect a defensive battle, though the match may lack the excitement of a high-scoring encounter. The result could provide valuable insights into both teams’ preparations for upcoming tournaments, though the friendly format may influence the level of commitment from players.#portugal #javier_aguirre #mexico_city #roberto_martinez #banorte_stadium
Mexico vs Portugal! The Star-Studded Lineup Roberto Martínez is Crafting for the Azteca Showdown The Mexican National Team is preparing for a high-stakes test on the road to the 2026 World Cup as it faces Portugal at the revamped Azteca Stadium, now known as Estadio Banorte. The match, set to serve as a critical preparation game, will pit El Tri against a Portuguese squad brimming with European talent, despite some key absences. Led by coach Javier Aguirre, Mexico aims to assess its readiness against a European powerhouse while refining tactical strategies for the upcoming global tournament. Portugal’s lineup, shaped by manager Roberto Martínez, features a blend of experienced players and emerging stars. The squad includes standout talents such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and João Félix, all of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in the match. The goal is to establish dominance from the outset and use the friendly as a serious rehearsal for the World Cup. However, the absence of key figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão creates opportunities for younger players to step up and showcase their abilities. The Portuguese team’s probable starting XI includes Rui Silva in goal, supported by a defensive line featuring João Cancelo, Tomas Araújo, Gonçalo Inácio, and Nuno Mendes. In midfield, João Neves, Vitinha, and Bruno Fernandes will form a creative core, while the attack will rely on Pedro Neto, Gonçalo Ramos, and João Félix to drive momentum. This balanced squad combines veteran leadership with the energy of a new generation, positioning Portugal as a formidable opponent for Mexico. Mexico’s squad, meanwhile, is expected to feature a mix of Liga MX stars and international players, with Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones, and Álvaro Fidalgo likely leading the attack.#portugal #mexico #javier_aguirre #roberto_martinez #azteca_stadium
