As the United States look to turn the page following a blowout loss to Belgium, Portugal’s trip to Atlanta is drawing an obvious question about superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo’s playing status. Fans purchased tickets months in advance hoping to see Ronaldo face off against the USMNT.
Unfortunately, Ronaldo is dealing with a hamstring injury and will not play against the United States in the March 31, 2026, friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta. Ronaldo is currently playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr.
As for the United States, the team still faces a significant opponent in Portugal, even with Ronaldo sidelined. Fans can watch the USA-Portugal match on TNT or Peacock at 7 p.m. Eastern.
Portugal is expected to present an even greater challenge for the USMNT than Belgium. FIFA has Portugal ranked as the No. 5 team in the world rankings, significantly ahead of the United States at No. 16.
Here’s what you need to know about Ronaldo’s future as well as the USA-Portugal game.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play in the 2026 World Cup for Portugal?
At 41 years old, there has been plenty of questions about Ronaldo’s future, not just his status against the United States. Ahead of the team’s clash against the USMNT, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez made it clear that Ronaldo will not only play in the World Cup but will also serve as the squad’s captain.
“Cristiano is our captain, a role model and a player with a real hunger,” Martinez said of Ronaldo, per ESPN’s Cindy Garcia. “He’s not just a 41-year-old player; he’s a player who’s hungry to improve every day. He’s proving to be an exemplary captain and an inspiration to the younger players, someone who shows the way and embodies our values.
“And on the pitch, he’s scored 25 goals in the last 30 games. We assess the players on a day-to-day basis, session by session, and the standards in the national team are the highest for everyone.”
USA vs. Portugal: Who Will Be in the Starting XI?
With Ronaldo sidelined, the most notable player expected to be in Portugal’s lineup is Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes. The United States struggled to defend Belgium while allowing five goals.
United States center-back Chris Richards did not play against Belgium but indicated he is ready to suit up versus Portugal, potentially providing the USMNT with some much needed defensive help.
“I know it’s a game of two halves, but I think it’s a really strong performance from the team and for the first 60 minutes,” Richards noted on March 30, per ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle. “I think second half, there’s moments here and there, but Belgium’s a top team.
“These are the kind of caliber teams that we need to play that we haven’t been able to play due to them having World Cup qualifiers and things like that. But again, I think it’s best that we learn these lessons now before the World Cup and us getting there and learning the hard way,” Richards added.
“So regardless of the result, I think the team for the majority of the game had a good performance.”
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