Portugal boss Martinez gives Mateus Fernandes first call-up, brings back Horta and Samu

André Guerra c/LUSA

Roberto Martinez speaks after picking his squadFPF

Coach Roberto Martinez announced this Friday Portugal’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States.

Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo, all sidelined with injuries, are the most notable absentees. Mateus Fernandes has been called up to the senior team for the first time, while Rodrigo Mora, Ricardo Horta, Samu Costa and Goncalo Guedes return to the squad.

In January, during an interview with Lusa, Martínez highlighted the need to take a third striker to the 2026 World Cup and set out to address this during the March training camp, opening the door for some new faces and returns.

However, the only two strikers selected by the coach are Goncalo Ramos and Guedes, with no place for Paulinho (Toluca), Fabio Silva (Borussia Dortmund), Claudio Braga (Hearts) or Chermiti (Rangers).

The first call-up for Mateus Fernandes is the standout news in the list, along with the returns of Tomás Araújo, Rodrigo Mora, Ricardo Horta and Samu Costa.

Among the major absences, the captain Cristiano Ronaldo stands out due to injury, as well as Dias and Bernardo Silva, following consultation with Manchester City’s medical staff.

Fenerbahce’s right-back Nelson Semedo and Tottenham midfielder Joao Palhinha are also missing. Carlos Forbs, who was in the last squad, is left out for technical reasons.

Martinez also pointed out that playing in the Americas in March is a way to help the team adapt to the weather conditions they’ll face at the 2026 World Cup, especially regarding altitude and humidity.

At the 2026 World Cup, Portugal are in Group K, alongside Uzbekistan, Colombia, and one more opponent yet to be determined, who will come from the intercontinental playoff between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia.

Portugal will face Mexico in the early hours of March 29th, at 02:00 CET, at Estadio Azteca Banorte (Mexico City), before visiting the Americans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 31st, with kick-off scheduled for 00:07 CET.