Mexico have been forced to turn to old heads and backups ahead of a pair of crucial friendlies, and the results could be dire for a side with big expectations
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to provide a positive update on his fitness as he continues his rehabilitation from a muscle injury. The Al-Nassr superstar is currently sidelined after picking up a thigh problem, but his latest activity suggests that a return to action is not far away.
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino has called up Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte for March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, replacing FC Cincinnati's Roman Celentano due to injury risk concerns. The 25-year-old, who has three international caps, joins camp in Atlanta ahead of two key World Cup tune-ups against Belgium and Portugal.
Ricardo Quaresma is tipping Cristiano Ronaldo to get his hands on a long-awaited World Cup trophy as Portugal international team-mates “want” the all-time great to “win that title”. At the age of 41, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo is preparing to grace FIFA’s flagship event for a record-setting sixth time. He is desperate to emulate Lionel Messi by landing the ultimate prize.
Cristiano Ronaldo maintains an unbreakable bond with his roots, returning to the island of Madeira to escape top-level competition. The 41-year-old brought his fiancee Georgina Rodriguez and their children to this corner of the Atlantic, which they have identified as their favourite vacation spot for 2026, to spend time with family.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to chase down 1,000 career goals and another entry in his history books, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez insists that target has not become an "obsession". There are no fears, at least not in international circles, that all-time great CR7 will stop passing to his team-mates in a bid to ensure that another individual milestone is reached.
Roberto Martinez has named a Portugal squad missing the iconic duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva for the upcoming international fixtures. The Selecao boss has opted for a mix of caution and experimentation as he prepares his side for the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino has named a 27-player U.S. men's national team roster ahead of upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. The Argentine manager's selections offer insight into what a World Cup squad could look like, as these two matches will be the final games before he selects his final team for this summer's tournament.
The road to the 2026 World Cup has hit a significant speed bump for Cristiano Ronaldo, as the Portugal captain is now a major doubt for his nation’s final international camp before the tournament. After limping out of domestic action in Saudi Arabia, the Al-Nassr forward is facing a race against time to prove his fitness to Roberto Martinez.
Rene Higuita has ignited the psychological warfare ahead of the 2026 World Cup, issuing a blunt warning to Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary Colombian goalkeeper insists the Cafeteros are ready to neutralize the Al Nassr superstar when the two nations collide in a blockbuster Group K encounter in Florida this June.
Manchester United are ramping up their search for a permanent managerial appointment to lead the club into the 2026-27 campaign, and a familiar face from the Premier League has emerged as a serious contender. Roberto Martinez, currently at the helm of the Portugal national team, has reportedly been identified by the Old Trafford hierarchy as a potential candidate to take over the reigns.
Sydney Sweeney has been praised for her dribbling skills after showing off her football ability at the Jose Alvalade Stadium after Sporting CP's 3-0 win over Estoril on Friday night. The Hollywood superstar surprised fans after making an unexpected pitch appearance at full time and showcased her fancy footwork following the Liga Portugal clash.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has claimed that superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer bothered about hitting his ambitious 1,000 goal target. The 41-year-old is closing in on the extraordinary number and has previously said he will not retire until he makes the milestone. Yet Martinez feels that the forward's stance has now changed as he heads towards the end of his career.
The footballing world remains in a state of mourning following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and the void can be felt deeply within the Portugal national team dressing room. AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao has now spoken candidly about the "devastating" impact the loss has had on the squad as they prepare for life without the forward. Jota, who had recently secured the Premier League title with Liverpool, passed away in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, alongside his brother, after a tyre blowout caused their vehicle to veer off the road.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed it's reassessing plans for its upcoming trip to Mexico after recent security alerts issued across multiple regions of the country. Portugal are scheduled to face the Mexico on March 28 as part of the reopening festivities for Estadio Banorte, formerly Estadio Azteca.
Roberto Martinez maintains that Cristiano Ronaldo should be considered football’s GOAT regardless of whether he leads Portugal to World Cup glory or not. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to get his hands on the most prestigious of international prizes, but will get another shot at that title in 2026. Martinez sees the evergreen frontman being under no pressure to deliver.
Mexico have announced three additional friendlies against Australia, Ghana, and Serbia as part of their final preparations for the 2026 World Cup. El Tri will open the tournament on June 11 against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. The matches are designed to limit travel and fine-tune the squad before the global showcase on home soil.
With just weeks until Mexico face Portugal in a high-profile friendly, Portuguese media report growing concern over renovation delays at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, now renamed Estadio Banorte. While organizers insist the venue will be ready for March 28, uncertainty has sparked speculation about a potential change of site for the match - and even future World Cup fixtures.
Cristiano Ronaldo has always been a bad loser, former Manchester United and Portugal team-mate Nani has revealed, with the all-time great breaking down in tears if things did not go his way. CR7 has spent his record-shattering career chasing perfection, with any stumbles endured when heading down that path leading to an outpouring of emotion.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez believes Cristiano Ronaldo could play "on and on and on" if he wanted to, as questions over the 41-year-old's future in the game intensify with each passing day. Ronaldo is almost certain to lead his country at the 2026 World Cup this summer in what is likely to be his international swansong, but it's still unclear when he will retire from the game entirely.
It is reportedly expected that Jose Mourinho will be offered the job as Portugal manager after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) are set to swoop for the current Benfica boss when Roberto Martinez's contract expires at the end of the global tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to “never stop playing football”, with fellow Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos telling the Portuguese GOAT that he needs to prolong his career for as long as possible - even if he ends up “with one leg or crawling”. CR7 has passed his 41st birthday without giving any thought to retirement and is expected to grace the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal
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