Roberto Martinez Announces Portugal Squad for Upcoming Friendlies

Key Takeaways:

• Coach Roberto Martinez named the Portugal squad for friendlies against Mexico and the United States
• Mateus Fernandes received his first call-up to the senior national side, while Horta and Samu Costa were recalled
• Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva are sidelined with injuries and miss out on the upcoming matches

Squad Announcements and Notable Absentees

Head coach Roberto Martinez has unveiled Portugal’s squad ahead of their international friendlies against Mexico and the United States. The announcement, made this Friday, sees several high-profile absentees with Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and captain Cristiano Ronaldo all missing due to injury. Martinez consulted with Manchester City’s medical staff when making these decisions.

A significant talking point is the senior team debut for Mateus Fernandes, who has earned his place in the squad following his performances for Manchester City. Rodrigo Mora, Ricardo Horta, Samu Costa, and Goncalo Guedes also make their return to the national team fold.

Despite previously outlining the need to identify a third striker ahead of the 2026 World Cup – particularly during the March training camp – Martinez has only selected two forwards: Goncalo Ramos and Guedes. This leaves Paulinho (Toluca), Fabio Silva (Borussia Dortmund), Claudio Braga (Hearts), and Chermiti (Rangers) out of contention for these fixtures.

Os convocados para a dupla jornada nas "Américas" ✈️🌍

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Midfield and Defensive Selections

Joining Fernandes in the midfield are Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Samu Costa, Joao Neves, Rodrigo Mora, and Bruno Fernandes. Defensive options include Matheus Nunes, Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, Antonio Silva, and Tomás Araújo.

Other notable omissions include Nelson Semedo of Fenerbahce, Tottenham’s Joao Palhinha, and Carlos Forbs. The latter, present in the previous squad, has been left out for technical reasons.

Strategic Preparations for World Cup Conditions

Martinez emphasised that taking fixtures to the Americas in March was a deliberate strategy to help the squad acclimatise to conditions they will encounter at the 2026 World Cup, focusing specifically on challenges presented by altitude and humidity.

Portugal have been drawn in Group K of the 2026 tournament, lining up alongside Uzbekistan, Colombia, and an additional side to be determined via the intercontinental playoff between Democratic Republic of Congo, Jamaica, and New Caledonia.

Upcoming Fixtures

Portugal are set to play Mexico at Estadio Azteca Banorte (Mexico City) in the early hours of 29th March. The squad will then travel to Atlanta to take on the United States at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 31st March.

Full Portugal Squad for Mexico and USA Friendlies