FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo has again shown in the UEFA World Cup qualifiers, this time leading Portugal to yet another existence on soccer’s biggest stage. However, rumors suggest Ronaldo could make his return to the United States far earlier than the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off.

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According to The Athletic, the United States Soccer Association and the Portuguese Football Federation are working to shape a friendly match as part of their World Cup arrangements. While the announcement has not yet to be concluded, the demonstration between Ronaldo’s Portugal and the USMNT is projected to take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta during the March international window.

Following Portugal’s dominant 9–1 win over Armenia, the team protected first place in Group F, earning a direct berth to the 2026 World Cup and dodging the playoff stage altogether. With qualification covered up early, the Seleção now has the March window free to schedule two friendlies, with one of those stuffs expected to be against the United States.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Long-Awaited Return to the U.S. Ahead of the World Cup

 Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has glowed a massive shift, not only in MLS, but also in how American fans engross with global soccer, setting the stage for the 2026 World Cup. Now, before the tournament even begins, fans may have the accidental to see Cristiano Ronaldo in the U.S. for the first time in 12 years.

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Ronaldo’s previous attendances on American soil came in 2014: once with Portugal and once with Real Madrid. The first took place on June 10, when Portugal beaten the Republic of Ireland 5–1 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ronaldo played the complete 90 minutes but didn’t get on the scoresheet.

His second, and most new appearance in the U.S. came on August 2, when Real Madrid faced Manchester United in a preseason friendly at a filled Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The Portuguese star entered in the 65th minute of a match that ended in a 3–1 win for United.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Goal for the FIFA World Cup Scoring His First on U.S. Soil

Since then, Ronaldo has not played in the United States with Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United, Al Nassr, or Portugal. With the USMNT also seeing a friendly against Belgium, Ronaldo could be eager to score his first career goal on American soil previously the World Cup begins. Both the USMNT, as hosts, and Portugal, due to their FIFA ranking, will be hired in Pot 1, meaning the two teams cannot face each other in the group stage.

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Portugal has managed to persist as one of the world’s best-performing national teams. Since Roberto Martinez took over as head coach, they have even won the 2025 UEFA Nations League. Their strong competitive form has passed over into the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, where they remain unconquered in their first two games. Now, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team are reportedly organizing a friendly match in contradiction of a South American team, and it is not Lionel Messi‘s Argentina.

According to Portuguese media outlet A Bola, Portugal is already scheduling their competitive schedule for next year. As such, they are reportedly exchanging a friendly match against Colombia for early 2026. While no date has been set yet, the proposed date is March 2026, during the international pause before the start of the 2026 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Legacy in FIFA World Cup 2026 History

Despite Colombia being the most talked-about candidate, it would not be the solitary national team considered for this friendly match. As reports by A Bola, Portugal is also seeing Ecuador as another for this friendly match. Therefore, everything looks to indicate that Cristiano Ronaldo will face a Conmebol team before the World Cup.

Portugal, unlike Colombia or Ecuador, is still struggling for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. This situation leaves hesitation around scheduling a friendly match, as it hinges on Cristiano Ronaldo’s national team qualifying nonstop for the tournament. In case it is forced to play the European playoffs scheduled for March 2026, it would be unable to change both commitments.

Over the past two decades, Portugal has arisen as one of the premier national teams, highlighted by legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo. Despite that skill, their FIFA World Cup history lacks luster, with just two noteworthy varnishes: a semifinal appearance and third place in 1966 and 2006. Under the guidance of head coach Roberto Martinez, they are now determined to detention the intangible world championship title.

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Q1. Will Cristiano Ronaldo return to the U.S. before the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Yes. Reports indicate Portugal are planning a friendly in the U.S. during the March international window.

Q2. Where could Portugal play their U.S. friendly ahead of the FIFA World Cup?

The expected venue is Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Q3. Did Portugal already qualify for the Football World Cup 2026?

Yes. Their 9–1 win over Armenia secured first place in Group F and direct qualification.

Q4. When was Cristiano Ronaldo’s last match in the U.S. before the World Cup cycle?

His last appearances were in 2014—one with Portugal and one with Real Madrid.

Q5. Could Ronaldo score his first goal on U.S. soil before the FIFA 2026?

Yes. Since he has never scored in the U.S., the upcoming friendlies give him that chance.