Amid the scrutiny he's received over his preparation for the 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappe addressed the situation by mentioning Cristiano Ronaldo.

Given his poor form, Ferran Torres’ future at Barcelona remains highly uncertain. With his contract set to expire in 2027, the Spaniard has caught the attention of two major Premier League clubs as a star signing.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo’s inclusion on Portugal’s roster has drawn heavy criticism, his absence against Mexico was keenly felt. In light of this, José Mourinho has taken a subtle swipe at the national team, defending the veteran’s place in the starting lineup.

Colombia and France face off in their final friendly match of this doubleheader of international friendlies. While the Cafeteros are coming off a painful defeat, the Blues are in top form. As a result, the game is shaping up to be a close contest. Here are the predicted lineups for both sides.

Mexico and Portugal played to a 0-0 draw at Estadio Azteca in a match where Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence was felt.

This Saturday night, Mexico and Portugal face off at Estadio Azteca.

Christian Pulisic and Milan continue to move cautiously as discussions over a new contract progress, with both sides taking their time amid a challenging period on the pitch.

Now Martinez has hinted at something deeper shaping Portugal’s chances, a key attribute within Ronaldo that could inspire and elevate the entire squad on the road to World Cup success.

Supporters and analysts alike often debate not just how many goals they’ve scored, but which national teams have suffered most from their prolific scoring.

The club has learned that FIFA will compensate them for the winger’s absence, but early indications suggest that the figure is not only modest; it is also deeply perplexing to those within the Catalan institution.

After weeks of uncertainty surrounding his fitness, the veteran forward is now edging closer to a return that could reshape the final stretch of the season.

The spotlight on Brazil has intensified dramatically in recent days, with Vinicius Junior and Raphinha unexpectedly finding themselves at the center of growing uncertainty.

Follow the live coverage of USMNT vs Belgium in an international friendly match.

Portugal are facing Mexico at Estadio Azteca, and Cristiano Ronaldo is not part of the squad.

The projected lineups for the 2026 international friendly USMNT vs Belgium.