Martinez Names 27-Man Squad for Pre-World Cup Tour Without Ronaldo

Roberto Martinez has named his 27-man squad for Portugal's final international window before the 2026 World Cup, and the list carries one glaring omission: Cristiano Ronaldo will not be on the plane to the Americas.

The 41-year-old forward, along with midfielder Joao Palhinha, misses out through injury. But it was the absence of Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias — described as a "technical decision based on medical information" — that raised eyebrows at the Portuguese Football Federation's announcement on Friday afternoon.

New Blood, Old Questions

In their place, Martinez has opened the door to a wave of fresh talent. Benfica's Tomas Araujo earns his first call-up to the senior squad, as do Maiorca midfielder Samu Costa, West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, and FC Porto teenager Rodrigo Mora. Ricardo Horta and Goncalo Guedes return to the fold after extended absences.

The squad has a distinctly transitional feel. With Ronaldo sidelined and Paulinho — the Toluca striker enjoying an excellent run of form in Mexico — again overlooked, the attacking burden falls squarely on Goncalo Ramos, supported by the versatile movement of Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, and Guedes.

"The World Cup does not wait," Martinez told reporters earlier this month. "Every player here knows this is their audition."

Two Tests in the Americas

Portugal face Mexico on March 29 at the newly renovated Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — a venue that will host the tournament's opening match in June. The kick-off falls at 2:00 AM Lisbon time, already on summer hours after the clocks change that same night.

Three days later, the squad travels to Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face the United States just after midnight on April 1. Both matches serve as dress rehearsals for a World Cup in which Portugal have been drawn into a group that includes Chile and a qualifier still to be determined from the intercontinental playoffs.

Reading Between the Lines

The decision to leave out Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, while technically framed as precautionary, suggests Martinez is already thinking beyond March. Both Manchester City players have endured gruelling club seasons, and protecting them for June may be the smarter long-term play.

What matters more is whether the newcomers can seize their chance. Mora, still only 18, has been electric for Porto in the league. Samu Costa has established himself as a regular in La Liga. Tomas Araujo has been one of the most improved defenders in Portuguese football this season.

For the thousands of Portuguese fans in the United States and Mexico — many of whom will be in the stands — these friendlies offer a rare chance to see the national team on their doorstep. For the players, they represent something more: a final argument before Martinez picks his World Cup squad.

The full squad announcement also confirmed that Pablo, the Brazilian-born forward who has been pursuing Portuguese nationality, does not yet have the necessary paperwork completed.

Portugal's World Cup campaign begins on June 17 in a venue yet to be confirmed.