Portugal unveils 27-player squad for Mexico and US friendlies without Ronaldo
Portugal's national football team has announced its 27-player squad for two upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States. The matches mark a significant moment, with a mix of experienced returnees and fresh talent joining the side. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the games due to injury—the first time since 2018.
The squad includes 33-year-old forward Paulinho, recalled after a four-year absence. His last international appearance came in 2020, during which he earned three caps and scored two goals. He will skip the initial preparations in Oeiras and instead join the team directly in Cancún on Tuesday for their training camp.
A training session is scheduled for 6:00 PM in Oeiras, with media allowed access for the first 15 minutes. Earlier, at 5:00 PM, a press conference will take place at the Cidade do Futebol, featuring a Portuguese player. West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has received his first senior call-up, adding to the squad's fresh faces. Four players from Portugal's Primeira Liga also make the cut: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Rui Silva and Gonçalo Inácio (both Sporting CP), and Ricardo Horta (SC Braga). Portugal's friendlies begin on March 28 against Mexico at the newly reopened Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Four days later, they face the United States in Atlanta on March 31. The team has also been drawn into Group K for the upcoming World Cup, alongside Uzbekistan, Colombia, and an as-yet-undecided opponent.
The squad's mix of experience and new talent will be tested in two high-profile friendlies. Paulinho's return and Fernandes' debut highlight the changes in Portugal's lineup. Meanwhile, Ronaldo's absence due to injury marks a rare shift in the team's recent history.
