Cristiano Ronaldo could play in the U.S. for the first time since 2014, as the U.S. men’s national team is in advanced talks to host Portugal in a March 2026 friendly. The USMNT also aims to face Belgium during that window, with games likely at an NFL-sized East Coast venue.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino wants strong international tests ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where the U.S. qualifies automatically as host. Matches against Portugal and Belgium depend on both European teams securing direct World Cup spots. Portugal is also expected to play Mexico at the Azteca Stadium that same month.
Ronaldo, now 40, has not played in the U.S. since summer 2014 due in part to negative publicity from past allegations, though he remains hugely popular among American fans. Despite his age, he continues to be vital for Portugal, recently scoring multiple goals in World Cup qualifying and the UEFA Nations League.