Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after disciplinary proceedings were initiated following his departure from the national team camp
Ronaldo, 41, apologised to his teammates and supporters for leaving the Portugal camp midway through the Nations League fixtures but provided a detailed account of the events that led to his decision
Fifa World Cup 2026 group K round of 32 qualification scenarios: Colombia are through; Portugal need a point, while DR Congo and Uzbekistan must win and rely on third-place calculations.
Fifa World Cup 2026 June 17 fixtures (IST): France vs Senegal (12:30 AM), Iraq vs Norway (3:30 AM), Argentina vs Algeria (6:30 AM), Austria vs Jordan (9:30 AM), Portugal vs DR Congo (10:30 PM).
Portugal's confidence is further boosted by their status as reigning UEFA Nations League champions, underlining their recent success on the international stage.
The last time Cristiano Ronaldo faced Lionel Messi in an international football match was back in November. 2014 when both Argentina and Portugal played an international friendly at Old Trafford.
There were no major shocks in Roberto Martinez's squad selection, with João Cancelo the only notable absentee due to injury from the group named in September.
Portugal, under the guidance of Roberto Martinez, have made a strong start to their qualification campaign, securing dominant victories over Armenia and Hungary.
Ronaldo completed his hat-trick for Al Nassr vs Rio Ave in the 68th minute on August 7, confidently converting from the spot before being substituted to a warm reception.
With the 40-year-old guaranteed to play till 42, this means that the fans' wish to see him don the Portugal shirt in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 still has a very high possibility of happening.