FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo appears poised to feature in the United States for the first time in over twelve years. The U.S. men’s soccer squad is holding advanced negotiations with Portugal to arrange a showcase encounter in March 2026.
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Sources familiar with these talks, who remain unnamed as they lack clearance to comment officially on the subject. Revealed that the USMNT is pursuing games against both Portugal and Belgium in March. The destination has not been entirely finalized, but organizers expect it will be staged in an NFL-capacity arena along the eastern seaboard.
Since the United States is already guaranteed entry as the host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Coach Mauricio Pochettino has conveyed determination to test his roster against squads from multiple federations in the year before the event.
The Americans recently suffered a 2-0 defeat to South Korea on Saturday and next meet Japan on Tuesday. Before challenging Ecuador, Australia, Paraguay, and Uruguay throughout October and November. The scheduled encounters with Portugal and Belgium are both currently listed among FIFA’s top 10 global sides.
Depending on the two European nations booking direct spots in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico tournament without requiring continental playoffs next spring. Portugal is likewise expected to compete against Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium during the same March period.
FIFA 2026: Ronaldo’s Return to U.S. Action After 12 Years
A potential clash with Portugal would conclude Ronaldo’s nearly 12-year absence from competitive action in America. His most recent performance came on August 2, 2014, when he entered as a substitute for Real Madrid against Manchester United before 109,318 spectators at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
Earlier that same summer, he also represented Portugal in a friendly match versus the Republic of Ireland at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Polling by YouGov identifies Ronaldo as the second-most recognizable footballer in the U.S., FIFA World Cup 2026, behind Lionel Messi.
However, in 2017, when German publication Der Spiegel reported details of an alleged assault accusation involving Ronaldo. And Kathryn Mayorga in Las Vegas back in 2009, claims which Ronaldo has consistently denied, and for which no charges were filed, the forward has not been photographed publicly in America.
He also skipped subsequent pre-season and exhibition tours with Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United, and his present employer, Al Nassr. Talks in late 2022 about a possible MLS transfer to Sporting Kansas City ultimately fell through as he opted for Saudi Arabia.
Even at 40 years old, Ronaldo remains central to Portugal’s international ambitions. He scored twice against Armenia in a 5-0 qualifying triumph on Saturday. While earlier this summer, he found the net against both Germany and Spain in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League semi-final and final victories.
Cristiano Ronaldo Extends International Scoring Record
Other international federations can either select from FIFA’s extensive database of approved training bases, over 60 of which are catalogued on FIFA’s site. Or they may directly negotiate contracts with host stadiums.
This highly anticipated showdown between the U.S. and Portugal in March 2026 would provide vital preparation for Pochettino’s squad ahead of the expanded World Cup. While simultaneously signaling Ronaldo’s long-awaited comeback on American ground.
Facing both Portugal and Belgium, the U.S. squad would gain irreplaceable experience against elite-level adversaries. And fans could watch one of football’s most iconic figures compete live in their own country after more than a decade.
If confirmed, the match would represent both a major sporting spectacle and a symbolic prelude to the first-ever 48-nation World Cup. Portuguese legend and Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo further strengthened his record on Saturday. September 6, 2025, by extending his lead as the highest scorer in men’s international football.
Against Armenia in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier, Ronaldo netted two goals to increase his total to 140. With 140 career goals across 222 appearances, Ronaldo continues as the all-time leader in men’s international scoring charts.
Out of those 140, an impressive 119 have come excluding penalties, and 118 arrived outside of friendly matches. Ronaldo’s stellar form powered Portugal to a 5-0 victory over Armenia on Saturday, marking a strong opening to their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.
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