Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images

Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Tonight for Portugal vs Mexico?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Mar 28, 2026 4:11 PM ET

Portugal will be away from home when they face off against Mexico at the newly renovated Estadio Azteca tonight to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

This will be Portugal's first friendly match after playing in the UEFA World Cup qualifiers. Portugal qualified for the World Cup last November after topping their qualifying group in Europe.

Cristiano Ronaldo was a part of the Portugal roster for the matches against Ireland and Armenia in the World Cup qualifiers in November.

Ronaldo's last appearance was against Ireland, where Portugal lost 2-0 away from home. The Portuguese striker received a red card during the match against Ireland.

Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal during the Republic of Ireland V Portugal, 2026 World Cup Qualifying - UEFA, Group Stage match at Aviva Stadium on November 13th, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images)Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images

The red card saw Ronaldo miss Portugal's previous match, which was against Armenia, and they won 9-1 at home. The red card will not affect Ronaldo for the match against Mexico or other games in the future, but he will not play tonight.

Cristiano Ronaldo is not playing in Mexico vs Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo will not play for Portugal against Mexico since he was not included in the Portugal national team roster for the friendly matches this month.

Ronaldo will not be on the bench for Portugal, and the player is currently sustaining a hamstring injury.

Ronaldo suffered a hamstring injury on February 28, 2026, in a match for Al Nassr against Al Fayha in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo is set to be back in a few weeks after the player posted pictures of himself recovering and training.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: