Portugal manager Martinez hands debut senior call to Mateus Fernandes and recalls Horta along with Samu

20 de março de 2026 às 09:32

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Key players missing include Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Cristiano Ronaldo, all out due to injuries. Mateus Fernandes earns his initial selection for the senior side, with Rodrigo Mora, Ricardo Horta, Samu Costa, and Goncalo Guedes also rejoining the group.

In a January chat with Lusa, Martinez stressed the importance of including a third forward for the 2026 World Cup and planned to explore options during the March camp, paving the way for fresh inclusions and comebacks.

That said, the coach picked just two attackers, Goncalo Ramos and Guedes, leaving out Paulinho from Toluca, Fabio Silva at Borussia Dortmund, Claudio Braga of Hearts, and Chermiti with Rangers, with no spot for them.

The debut for Mateus Fernandes grabs the headlines in this lineup, matched by the reappearances of Tomás Araújo, Rodrigo Mora, Ricardo Horta, and Samu Costa.

Among the big omissions, skipper Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list because of injury, joined by Dias and Bernardo Silva after talks with Manchester Citys medical team.

Fenerbahces right back Nelson Semedo and Tottenhams midfielder Joao Palhinha are absent too. Carlos Forbs, part of the previous group, drops out for tactical purposes.

Martinez noted that these March matches in the Americas serve to acclimatise the squad to the climate challenges ahead at the 2026 World Cup, particularly altitude and moisture levels.

For the 2026 World Cup, Portugal sit in Group K with Uzbekistan, Colombia, and a yet to be confirmed foe from the intercontinental play off involving the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jamaica, and New Caledonia.

Portugal take on Mexico in the early morning of March 29th at 02:00 CET in Estadio Azteca Banorte, Mexico City, then head to the USA for a clash at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 31st, starting at 00:07 CET.