Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal against USMNT today?

Portugal conclude this month’s international break with their second friendly game in four days - this time against one of the 2026 World Cup host nations, the United States.

Coach Roberto Martínez gave 21 players a run-out at the weekend against Mexico at the Azteca - one of the venues hosting games at this summer’s tournament. Portugal saw more of the ball and enjoyed more shots on target but were unable to capitalize as the game ended without goals.

PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos led Portugal’s attack with João Félix, Bruno Fernandes and Conceiçao in support in a 4-2-3-1 setup. All but two players who started the match made way for players coming off the bench - goalkeeper Rui Silva and center-back Renato Veiga both completed the full 90 minutes.

No risks with Cristiano

Fans hoping to get a glimpse of Cristiano Ronaldo were disappointed. The Al Nassr forward was left out of the list for this international break due to injury.

Ronaldo injured his right hamstring in the 3-1 Saudi Pro League win over Al Fayha on February 28. Given the nature of the injury, it wasn’t worth risking him. He will miss tonight’s game against the USMNT but has now completed his rehabilitation and was given the medical all-clear on Monday, meaning he should be available for Friday’s Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Najma.

Cristiano, Messi and Ochoa chasing a record sixth World Cup showing

Ronaldo is Portugal’s most capped player with 226 appearances as well as the all-time top goal scorer with 143 goals. He is one of eight players to have taken part in five World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022) and one of just three who remain active and could set a new appearances record this summer along with Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa.

Until then, he will be attempting to remain injury-free. His next cap could be in Portugal’s final World Cup warm-up, against Chile on June 6.

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