The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/usmnt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USMNT</a> will have a tough test before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Now, the Stars and Stripes have confirmed the date and venue in which they will face <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Portugal.



Next year, the United States, alongside Mexico and Canada, will host the FIFA World Cup. It is the first time that three countries host the tournament together, and they surely want to prove they can be more than just hosts.



For that reason, the USMNT wants to face top contenders to test themselves. Now, it has selected <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portugal</a> as a rival in a friendly match that will push the Stars and Stripes to their limits.



<h2>When and where will the USMNT face Portugal?</h2>



The USMNT confirmed that Portugal will be one of its first rivals for a friendly match in 2026. The Stars and Stripes will face Cristiano Ronaldo’s squad on March 31, 2026.



Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, will host the duel. The home of the Atlanta Falcons is one of the 11 stadiums in the United States selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.



<h2>USMNT’s confirmed friendly matches in 2026</h2>


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Besides Portugal, the USMNT also confirmed a friendly match against Belgium on March 28, also at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Two back-to-back matches that will be very demanding for the United States.



The federation also confirmed that there is a match scheduled for May 31, with the rival still to be determined. Then, on June 6, five days before the start of the World Cup, the USMNT will face Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

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USMNT confirms date and venue for friendly vs Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal before 2026 World Cup - Bolavip US

USMNT confirms friendly vs Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal

miniaturas

The soccer world eagerly awaits December 5th to learn how the groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be structured. Here is a breakdown of the possible rivals that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Portugal could face in their group.



This edition of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> will be historic, as it will feature 48 nations competing for the coveted trophy, up from the traditional 32. To form the groups, all qualified nations will be divided into four pots based on their FIFA World Ranking classification. Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates are in Pot 1 and will be seeded in their group.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a> will not be drawn against any other nation in Pot 1 (top seeds), which includes the three host nations—Mexico, United States, and Canada—and the other top-ranked teams like Spain, France, England, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and the Netherlands.



A key rule in the World Cup draw is that FIFA does not allow two nations from the same confederation to be placed in the same group. However, UEFA is the only exception: since there are 16 qualified European teams filling 12 groups, four groups will necessarily contain two European teams.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">ESTAMOS NO MUNDIAL! VAMOS COM TUDO, PORTUGAL! 🇵🇹 <a href="https://t.co/3bfPqkrecH">pic.twitter.com/3bfPqkrecH</a>— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano/status/1990093371503747155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Potential group rivals for Portugal</h2>



The groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be composed of one team from each pot, while adhering to the rules that prohibit nations from the same confederation from sharing a group, with the exception of UEFA.


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In this way, there is a possibility that Portugal will have one European team within their group. Cristiano Ronaldo and company could face any team from each pot, but if one UEFA nation is drawn, there cannot be another from the same confederation in their group.



These are all the nations that will participate in the World Cup, divided into their respective pots:



<h3>Pot 2</h3>



<ul><li>Croatia</li><li>Morocco</li><li>Colombia</li><li>Uruguay</li><li>Switzerland</li><li>Japan</li><li>Senegal</li><li>Iran</li><li>South Korea</li><li>Ecuador</li><li>Austria</li><li>Australia</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 3</h3>



<ul><li>Norway</li><li>Panama</li><li>Egypt</li><li>Algeria</li><li>Scotland</li><li>Paraguay</li><li>Tunisia</li><li>Ivory Coast</li><li>Uzbekistan</li><li>Qatar</li><li>Saudi Arabia</li><li>South Africa</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 4</h3>



<ul><li>Jordan</li><li>Cape Verde</li><li>Ghana</li><li>Curaçao</li><li>Haiti</li><li>New Zealand</li><li>European Playoff 1</li><li>European Playoff 2</li><li>European Playoff 3</li><li>European Playoff 4</li><li>Intercontinental Playoff 1</li><li>Intercontinental Playoff 2</li></ul>

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Which countries could Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal face at the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage? - Bolavip US

Which countries could Ronaldo, Portugal face at the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is right around the corner, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mexico" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mexico</a> will have a tough test as part of their preparation. The Tricolor have confirmed a friendly match against Cristiano Ronaldo and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portugal</a>, with both the date and venue now official.



Mexico want to deliver an extraordinary World Cup next year. Back in Qatar 2022, they failed to advance from the group stage, with Argentina and Poland going through instead. It was a disappointing early exit that pushed the federation to make big changes ahead of the tournament they will co-host.



As part of that shift, Mexico know they need to face top national teams before the World Cup kicks off. And now it is time to take on a living legend like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>.



<h2>When and where will Mexico face Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal?</h2>



On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Mexico will face Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal squad on March 28, 2026. The matchup had been rumored for months, but with Portugal now officially qualified for the World Cup, the friendly has finally been locked in.



The duel will be special not only because of Ronaldo’s presence, but also because it marks the grand reopening of Estadio Azteca. The venue has been under renovation since May 2024 ahead of the World Cup.



<h2>Mexico will face another top European team days later</h2>


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Just three days after taking on Portugal in Mexico City, Mexico will head north to the United States for another big friendly. On March 31, the Tricolor will face Belgium at Soldier Field in Chicago, where a large turnout of Mexican fans is expected.



These are the first confirmed friendlies for Mexico in 2026, but more are on the way. The team is expected to play two matches in January, one in February, and four between May and June to be fully ready for the World Cup opener on June 11 at Estadio Azteca.

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Mexico confirm date and venue for friendly vs Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal before 2026 World Cup - Bolavip US

Cristiano Ronaldo was not indifferent to Portugal’s triumph at the FIFA <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/u17-world-cup">U-17 World Cup</a> Qatar 2025, a title they secured on Thursday, November 27, at Al Khalifa Stadium in the city of Doha. Portugal defeated Austria 1–0 thanks to a decisive strike from Benfica forward Anisio Cabral.



“Giants! Congratulations, World Cup Champions,” wrote the Al Nassr star in Portuguese on his Instagram account moments after the victory was confirmed. His message celebrated what ultimately became the third global title in Portugal’s youth history.



Qatar 2025 now joins the other two world championships Portugal earned in the past, both at the U-20 level. They won the 1989 edition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, defeating Nigeria 2–0 in the final, and the 1991 tournament in Lisbon, where they beat Brazil 4–2 on penalties after a scoreless draw in regulation.



Similarly, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>—set to make his sixth World Cup appearance after Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022—will aim in 2026 to replicate the success of Portugal’s U-17 squad at the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It will likely be the last time we see him in the sport’s biggest competition.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="656" height="1280" data-id="534946" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251127_BUS_534880_portugal-u17_baad1e62.webp&amp;width=656&amp;height=1280" alt="Cristiano Ronaldo&apos;s message to Portugal U-17." class="wp-image-534946"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo’s message to Portugal U-17.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2>Portugal’s path to the title</h2>



The squad coached by Bino Macaes built its championship run on a powerful attack that was evident from the group stage. After a dominant 6–1 win over New Caledonia and an emphatic 6–0 victory against Morocco, the Portuguese secured advancement despite a 2–1 loss to Japan in the final matchday.


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In the knockout rounds, Portugal showed both composure and efficiency. They defeated Belgium 2–1 in the Round of 32 and delivered a statement performance by crushing Mexico 5–0 in the Round of 16. Their push into the quarterfinals continued with a 2–0 win over Switzerland, keeping a crucial clean sheet ahead of a massive showdown against Brazil.



The real test arrived against the Brazilians in a high-pressure semifinal that finished scoreless and was decided in a dramatic penalty shootout. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a> held their nerve to win 6–5 and clinched their first-ever U-17 World Cup final berth.



<h2>The grand final</h2>



In the European final played at Khalifa International Stadium, a single goal from their standout talent Anisio Cabral—who had been instrumental throughout the tournament—at the 32nd minute of the first half was enough to defeat Austria 1–0. With that, Portugal’s newest golden generation lifted their first FIFA U-17 World Cup title.

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Cristiano Ronaldo reacts with five-word message to Portugal’s U17 World Cup title - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal U17</a> and Austria U17 will face each other in the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/u17-world-cup">2025&nbsp;U17 World Cup</a>&nbsp;final. Here’s all the key information, including the match date, kickoff time, and streaming options for viewers in the United States.



<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=3119684" rel="sponsored nofollow">[Watch&nbsp;Portugal U17 vs Austria U17 online in the US on Fubo]</a>



Portugal and Austria collide in a highly anticipated tournament finale that caps off a dramatic, high-stakes run for both sides, with Portugal arriving as the proven powerhouse after knocking out elite competition—including a statement semifinal win over Brazil.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/austria">Austria</a>, on the other side, storms in as the tournament’s biggest revelation, having stunned a string of favored opponents to earn their shot at the crown, setting the stage for a championship showdown packed with momentum, grit, and upset potential.



<h2>When will the Portugal U17 vs Austria U17 match be played?</h2>



Portugal U17 play against Austria U17 on&nbsp;Thursday, November 27, for the&nbsp;2025 U17 World Cup&nbsp;final. The clash is scheduled to kick off at&nbsp;11:00 AM (ET).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251127_BUS_533316_Fan-of-Austria-waves-a-national-flag_237dd149.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-533324"></figure><figcaption>Fan of Austria waves a national flag – Lars Baron/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Portugal U17 vs Austria U17: Time by State in the USA</h2>



ET: 11:00 AM CT: 10:00 AM MT: 9:00 AM PT: 8:00 AM



<h2>How to watch Portugal U17 vs Austria U17 in the USA</h2>



Don’t miss this exciting&nbsp;2025 U17 World Cup&nbsp;match between&nbsp;Portugal U17 and Austria U17 in the USA. Watch the match on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=3119684" rel="sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a>. Other options: Fox Soccer Plus.

Where to watch Portugal U17 vs Austria U17 live in the USA: 2025 U17 World Cup

Where to watch Portugal U17 vs Austria U17 live in the USA: 2025 U17 World Cup - Bolavip US

With less than 200 days to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>’s Argentina and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>’s Portugal will not face each other in the group stage, <a href="https://inside.fifa.com/organisation/media-releases/procedures-final-draw-world-cup-2026-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FIFA</a> confirmed. 



The news comes as the procedures for the Final Draw were released, outlining how the 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four. Fans around the world are now looking ahead to the draw on December 5 in Washington, D.C., where each team will learn its group stage path.



The draw will place the hosts—Canada, Mexico, and the USA—in Pot 1, along with the top nine ranked teams, including <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a>. The remaining 39 teams are split into Pots 2, 3, and 4 based on the FIFA Men’s World Rankings, with play-off winners added to Pot 4. To keep the tournament balanced, the highest-ranked teams are placed on opposite pathways, so they cannot meet before the final.



<h2>How will the draw work?</h2>



The Final Draw will start with Pot 1 teams, including the hosts and the top-ranked nations, being drawn into positions 1 of each group. Pots 2, 3, and 4 will follow in order, filling out the groups. Teams from the same confederation will generally be kept apart, except for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uefa">UEFA</a>, which can have up to two teams in one group.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251125_BUS_533570_messi-ronaldo-world-cup_d7ff79ad.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-533589"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal shakes hands with Lionel Messi of Argentina prior to the International Friendly. Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Balancing the tournament</h2>


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FIFA has confirmed that the four highest-ranked teams—Spain, Argentina, France, and England—will be drawn into opposite pathways in the knockout bracket, ensuring they don’t meet at least until the semifinals.



And if they win their groups, they will not meet before the final, helping maintain a competitive and balanced tournament. Play-off winners from Pot 4 will also be allocated carefully to respect confederation constraints and avoid clashes.



<h2>Match schedule and fan planning</h2>



After the draw on December 5, fans can expect the complete match schedule to be released on December 6. Each match will be assigned a stadium and a kick-off time, allowing teams to prepare and audiences worldwide to follow the action live across different time zones


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6925f62a2d286e1484d5ebbb" data-title="Who will shine brightest in the 2026 World Cup?" data-options="4"></div>

FIFA Confirms Argentina and Portugal Will Not Meet in 2026 World Cup Group Stage

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During the latest window of the 2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/video-cristiano-ronaldo-sees-red-card-for-hitting-opponent-in-ireland-vs-portugal">Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card</a>, sparking speculation about his availability for Portugal’s debut in the upcoming World Cup. The final suspension has now been announced.



According to Sky Sports, a FIFA disciplinary committee handed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Ronaldo</a> a three-match ban but the final two games are suspended under a one-year probation period, meaning he will be able to feature in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup opener.



Ronaldo was at risk of missing multiple games after being sent off for violent conduct during <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/ireland-vs-portugal-live-uefa-2026-world-cup-qualifiers">Portugal’s loss to Ireland</a> in November, which was likely his final game in World Cup qualifiers representing his country. An elbow on an opponent triggered the striker’s ejection.



With two games suspended, Ronaldo already served a one-match ban during <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/portugal-vs-armenia-live-cristiano-ronaldo-out-for-2026-world-cup-qualifiers-finale">Portugal’s final qualifying match against Armenia</a>. FIFA’s latest decision makes CR7 eligible for Portugal’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup, unless he gets penalized for violent conduct again during the probation period.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251125_BUS_533478_portugal-1_2bb02327.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Portugal" class="wp-image-533485"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Eyes on the World Cup</h2>



Having comfortably won their qualifying group, Portugal arrive at the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> with high expectations, looking to make a significant statement on the global stage. This tournament marks a historic occasion as it will be the sixth World Cup appearance for Ronaldo, who continues to lead the squad.


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With a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent, Portugal are poised to challenge the established contenders and aim to translate their strong qualifying form into a deep and impactful run in the main event.



With the draw set for December 5, they are waiting to know their opponents. Meanwhile, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/fifa-confirms-messis-argentina-ronaldos-portugal-wont-clash-in-2026-world-cup-group-stage">Ronaldo’s Portugal can already rule out Lionel Messi’s Argentina for a potential group stage clash as FIFA has confirmed</a> both countries are on Pot 1.

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Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension revealed: Will CR7 be eligible for Portugal's 2026 World Cup debut? - Bolavip US

Ronaldo's suspension revealed: Will CR7 be eligible for 2026 World Cup debut?

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal U17</a> will face off against Brazil U17 in the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/u17-world-cup">2025&nbsp;U17 World Cup</a>&nbsp;semifinals. Here’s all the key information, including the match date, kickoff time, and streaming options for viewers in the United States.



<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=3119684" rel="sponsored nofollow">[Watch&nbsp;Portugal U17 vs Brazil U17 online in the US on Fubo]</a>



The second semifinal of the U17 World Cup sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown between two in-form contenders, with a spot in the grand final hanging in the balance. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brazil">Brazil</a> arrives after grinding out a hard-fought win over Morocco in the quarterfinals.



On the other side, Portugal enters riding the momentum of a clean 2–0 victory against Switzerland. With both sides showcasing sharp play and tournament-tested confidence, this matchup is shaping up to deliver ninety minutes of nonstop drama.



<h2>When will the Portugal U17 vs Brazil U17 match be played?</h2>



Portugal U17 take on Brazil U17 on&nbsp;Monday, November 24, for the&nbsp;2025 U17 World Cup&nbsp;semifinals- The clash is scheduled to kick off at&nbsp;11:00 AM (ET).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1280" height="715" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251124_BUS_532028_Portugal-fans_50804bc3.webp&amp;width=1280&amp;height=715" alt="" class="wp-image-14557" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px"></figure><figcaption>Portugal fans wave flags – Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Portugal U17 vs Brazil U17: Time by State in the USA</h2>



ET: 11:00 AM CT: 10:00 AM MT: 9:00 AM PT: 8:00 AM



<h2>How to watch Portugal U17 vs Brazil U17 in the USA</h2>



Don’t miss this exciting&nbsp;2025 U17 World Cup&nbsp;match between&nbsp;Portugal U17 and Brazil U17 in the USA. Watch the match on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=3119684" rel="sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a>. Other options: Fox Sports 2.

Where to watch Portugal U17 vs Brazil U17 live in the USA: 2025 U17 World Cup

Where to watch Portugal U17 vs Brazil U17 live in the USA: 2025 U17 World Cup - Bolavip US

Following the conclusion of the final FIFA window of 2025, both <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>‘s Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal have been confirmed as top seeds for their respective groups in the 2026 World Cup, thanks to the newly updated FIFA World Ranking.



Portugal could have secured their World Cup qualification during the October window, but a last-minute goal from Dominik Szoboszlai derailed their celebration, forcing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and his teammates to pursue classification in the last two games of the UEFA Qualifiers.



When qualification seemed simple, Portugal surprisingly fell 2-0 to Ireland on the road—a match where <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/video-cristiano-ronaldo-sees-red-card-for-hitting-opponent-in-ireland-vs-portugal">Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off</a> for elbowing an opponent off the ball. However, they crushed Armenia 9-1 in the final matchday to definitively seal their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.



Despite achieving the objective of qualifying, the draw against Hungary and the surprise loss to Ireland caused <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a> to fall to the No. 6 spot in the FIFA World Ranking with 1760.38 points, being marginally surpassed by Brazil (1760.46 points).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251119_BUS_530491_ronaldo-red-card_4d54fe65.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-527402"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after being shown a red card. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



For <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a>, Messi and his teammates secured classification on March 25th and have since been contesting friendly matches during the recent FIFA dates. In their latest friendlies, they registered one defeat against Ecuador and three victories, allowing them to maintain their No. 2 position in the FIFA World Ranking with 1873.33 points, still trailing Spain, who lead the standings with 1877.18.



It is worth noting that during the March 2026 FIFA window, with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> groups already confirmed, Argentina will have a chance to reclaim the No. 1 spot. To do so, they must win both of their matches and rely on other results. They could also face Spain in the Finalissima, a transcendental match for the ranking.


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<h2>How the 2026 World Cup pots were determined</h2>



Following the update to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fifa">FIFA</a> World Ranking, the pots for the 2026 World Cup draw have been finalized. Crucially, Argentina and Portugal are in the same pot and therefore cannot be drawn into the same group, meaning Messi and Ronaldo could only face each other in the knockout stages of the competition.



<h3>Pot 1 (top seeds)</h3>



<ul><li>United States, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Spain.</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 2</h3>



<ul><li>Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Senegal, Switzerland, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia.</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 3</h3>



<ul><li>Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 4</h3>



<ul><li>Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curacao, Haiti, New Zealand, European Playoff Teams (4), Intercontinental Playoff Teams (2).</li></ul>



The draw will determine the four teams for each of the 12 groups that will compete in the 2026 World Cup. Teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn into the same group. The only exception to this rule is Europe, as four groups will feature two European teams due to the high number of qualified participants from that continent.

FIFA Rankings: Portugal Slip to No. 6, Argentina Holds No. 2 Spot

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal fall, Lionel Messi’s Argentina remain unchanged in updated FIFA World Ranking

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with seven-word message as Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in the 2026 World Cup? Portugal secure qualification without CR7 vs Armenia

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal fall, Lionel Messi's Argentina remain unchanged in updated FIFA World Ranking - Bolavip US

Ronaldo's Portugal fall, Messi's Argentina unchanged in updated FIFA Ranking

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mexico">Mexico U17</a> will square off against Portugal U17 in the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/u17-world-cup">2025&nbsp;U17 World Cup</a>&nbsp;round of 16. Here’s all the key information, including the match date, kickoff time, and streaming options for viewers in the United States.



<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=3119684" rel="sponsored nofollow">[Watch&nbsp;Mexico U17 vs Portugal U17 online in the US on Fubo]</a>



This U17 World Cup showdown has all the makings of a thriller, with both sides showing they’re capable of swinging a match in their favor at any moment. Mexico arrives with momentum after sneaking into the Round of 32 as the final best third-place qualifier and stunning top-seeded Argentina.



However, El Tri steps now into an even tougher test against a Portugal squad loaded with talent. Fresh off a convincing win over Belgium, Portugal has shown it possesses the quality and composure to chase a deep tournament run, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle as both teams push for a coveted quarterfinal berth.



<h2>When will the Mexico U17 vs Portugal U17 match be played?</h2>



Mexico U17 will take on Portugal U17 on&nbsp;Tuesday, November 18, for the&nbsp;2025 U17 World Cup&nbsp;round of 16. The clash is scheduled to kick off at&nbsp;8:00 AM (ET).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/17232035/Fans-of-Portugal-holds-national-flag-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-529108"></figure><figcaption>Fans of Portugal holds national flag – Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Mexico U17 vs Portugal U17: Time by State in the USA</h2>



ET: 8:00 AM CT: 7:00 AM MT: 6:00 AM PT: 5:00 AM



<h2>How to watch Mexico U17 vs Portugal U17 in the USA</h2>



Don’t miss this exciting&nbsp;2025 U17 World Cup&nbsp;match between&nbsp;Mexico U17 and Portugal U17 in the USA. Watch the match on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=3119684" rel="sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a>. Other options: Telemundo, Universo.

Where to watch Mexico U17 vs Portugal U17 live in the USA: 2025 U17 World Cup

Where to watch Mexico U17 vs Portugal U17 live in the USA: 2025 U17 World Cup - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/portugal-vs-armenia-live-cristiano-ronaldo-out-for-2026-world-cup-qualifiers-finale">Portugal come off a dominant 9-1 victory over Armenia</a>, a result that showcased their depth and composure even without Cristiano Ronaldo, their all-time leading scorer and greatest player. With that emphatic performance, the Portuguese secured their direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, taking full control of their path to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.



On social media, Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his excitement and pride after Portugal sealed their spot. “ESTAMOS NO MUNDIAL! VAMOS COM TUDO, PORTUGAL!,” he wrote in Portuguese, in a message that translates to English as: “WE ARE IN THE WORLD CUP! LET’S GO ALL-IN, PORTUGAL!.”



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/cristiano-ronaldos-portugal-qualify-for-2026-world-cup-how-many-has-cr7-played-already-and-whats-the-record">Cristiano Ronaldo, with his participation in the 2026 World Cup, is set to reach his sixth appearance</a> — and he has already hinted that it will be his final one, signaling that retirement may be approaching. Even though he has said that winning a World Cup does not define the greatest player of all time, it is clear he still dreams of lifting the trophy.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/will-cristiano-ronaldo-play-in-the-2026-world-cup-portugal-secure-qualification-without-cr7-vs-armenia">With Ronaldo all but confirmed for the upcoming World Cup</a>, he now sets his sights on breaking yet another record. He is only two goals away from surpassing Portuguese legend Eusebio’s mark of eight <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> goals, giving him a chance to become Portugal’s top scorer in World Cup history.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ESTAMOS NO MUNDIAL! VAMOS COM TUDO, PORTUGAL! 🇵🇹 <a href="https://t.co/3bfPqkrecH">pic.twitter.com/3bfPqkrecH</a>— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano/status/1990093371503747155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>The victory that sent Portugal to the World Cup</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Ronaldo</a> congratulated his teammates for the remarkable victory they earned — a result that could hardly be more deserved. The 9-1 scoreline was overwhelming and may go down as one of the most dominant wins in Portugal’s history.


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The win featured a brilliant hat trick from Joao Neves, who also scored a stunning free-kick goal, along with a hat trick from Bruno Fernandes, who delivered a phenomenal performance and fully showcased his leadership throughout the match.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a> will arrive at the World Cup with a generation that shows enormous promise and positions them as one of the clear contenders for the sport’s most prestigious trophy. Delivering such a dominant result without their biggest star, Cristiano Ronaldo, and without one of their best players in Nuno Mendes, is the kind of statement that should make opponents nervous.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi to share historic record as Portugal join Argentina at 2026 World Cup

Mbappe reaches 400 career goals at 26: How many had Ronaldo, Messi scored at his age?

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with seven-word message as Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup - Bolavip US

Cristiano Ronaldo may have been forced to miss the game, but <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/portugal-vs-armenia-live-cristiano-ronaldo-out-for-2026-world-cup-qualifiers-finale">Portugal still got the job done against Armenia</a> to seal their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Now, all eyes are on the veteran star as fans are wondering whether he’ll play next year.



Unlike Lionel Messi, who remains mysterious about his participation in the upcoming event, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Ronaldo</a> has already confirmed that he plans to play at the 2026 World Cup — and that it will “definitely” be the last one in his illustrious career.



“I will be 41 years old and I think will be the moment in the big competition,” Ronaldo told Becky Anderson of CNN during an interview at the Tourise Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.



“I’m enjoying the moment, but when I mean soon, it’s really soon because I gave everything for soccer,” Ronaldo added on his retirement from the sport. “I’m in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything. I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national teams. I’m really proud, so let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251116_BUS_527887_cristiano-ronaldo-qatar-2022_33864649.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2022 World Cup." class="wp-image-527932"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2022 World Cup.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How many World Cups has Cristiano Ronaldo already played in?</h2>



Ronaldo has already played in five different World Cups, and with Portugal qualified for the 2026 event, he’s set to make a historic sixth appearance — a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-lionel-messi-to-share-historic-record-as-portugal-joins-argentina-at-2026-world-cup">record Ronaldo could share with Messi</a> should the Argentine star ultimately decides to participate as well.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/soccer/cristiano-ronaldos-portugal-qualify-for-2026-world-cup-how-many-has-cr7-played-already-and-whats-the-record"></div>

 


<h2>What’s Ronaldo’s best result at a World Cup with Portugal?</h2>



For CR7, there seems to be no doubt to captain Portugal in their quest for an elusive <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> title. The closest Ronaldo came to the ultimate glory came in 2006, when his country lost to eventual runners-up France in the semifinals. Portugal finished fourth after losing to hosts Germany in the third-place match.



<h2>How old will Cristiano Ronaldo be at 2026 World Cup?</h2>



Ronaldo will be 41 at the next World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19 with an expanded field of 48 teams. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a> will find out their group stage rivals during the December 5 draw, to be held in Washington, DC.



<h2>What are Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup stats?</h2>



Cristiano Ronaldo boasts eight goals and two assists in 22 World Cup games (20 starts), seeing the yellow card four times. He’s scored in every World Cup he’s participated so far: at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/qatar-2022">Qatar 2022</a>, CR7 became the first male player to score in five different editions of the tournament.



<h2>Will Cristiano Ronaldo be eligible for Portugal in 2026 World Cup debut?</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/will-cristiano-ronaldo-miss-potential-2026-world-cup-debut-with-portugal-due-to-red-card-vs-ireland">Ronaldo is at risk of missing Portugal’s 2026 World Cup debut after seeing a red card</a> during his team’s loss to Ireland on Matchday 9 of the UEFA Qualifiers. Since he was sent off for violent conduct, CR7 could be exposed to a multiple-game suspension.



Initially, Ronaldo has already served the typical one-game ban that comes from a straight red card during Portugal’s win over Armenia. Now it’s up to FIFA’s disciplinary committee to determine whether his actions require a larger sanction. In the event Ronaldo is given more than one game of suspension, he would serve that ban at the start of the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal Clinches 2026 World Cup Spot; Ronaldo Set for Last Tournament Appearance

Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing 2026 World Cup with Portugal? - Bolavip US

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in the 2026 World Cup with Portugal?

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/portugal-vs-armenia-live-cristiano-ronaldo-out-for-2026-world-cup-qualifiers-finale">Portugal national team did its homework, dominating Armenia</a> at home to secure another World Cup appearance. Despite <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>’s absence, Roberto Martinez’s squad earned a direct ticket, setting the stage for CR7 to potentially break another record alongside Argentina captain Lionel Messi in 2026.



What’s this all about? Both Ronaldo and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a>, barring any setbacks, will be competing in their sixth World Cup — an unprecedented feat in the history of the sport. The longevity of these two stars means that, despite their age, they continue breaking records, something rarely seen before.



Ahead of next year’s World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, only six players have appeared in five editions of the tournament: the aforementioned Messi and Ronaldo, German legend Lothar Matthaus, and Mexicans Rafael Marquez, Antonio Carvajal, and Andres Guardado. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/will-cristiano-ronaldo-play-in-the-2026-world-cup-portugal-secure-qualification-without-cr7-vs-armenia">Ronaldo is expected to play next year after confirming that the 2026 World Cup</a> will be his last one.



Despite the passage of time, these two extraordinary talents continue breaking records and, in a healthy rivalry, aim to take their national teams as far as possible in the upcoming World Cup. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/cristiano-ronaldos-portugal-qualify-for-2026-world-cup-how-many-has-cr7-played-already-and-whats-the-record">Ronaldo has already played in five World Cups</a>, but he’s ready to make it six to break the record in 2026. Messi, meanwhile, has yet to confirm his final decision.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251116_BUS_527898_lionel-messi-2-1_599ad3e7.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Lionel Messi Argentina" class="wp-image-527933"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi of Argentina.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Messi has more World Cup games played than Ronaldo</h2>



While both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have each played in five World Cups, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a>’s deeper runs in several tournaments mean that the Argentine star has appeared in more matches than CR7.


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The current Inter Miami forward currently holds the record for the most World Cup matches played, with a total of 26. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has played 22, giving him the chance next year to potentially catch up to Messi in this ranking.



Lothar Matthaus with 25, Miroslav Klose with 24, and Paolo Maldini with 23 are the three players also at the top of this ranking, with the difference being that they are retired and therefore have no chance to add more matches.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251116_BUS_527898_lothar-matthaus_e6be032d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Lothar Matthaus" class="wp-image-527941"></figure><figcaption>Lothar Matthaus of Germany.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Chasing the back-to-back</h2>



The upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> is set to feature a dramatic clash of narratives centered on two global icons. Lionel Messi will lead Argentina, aiming to secure a historic second consecutive title, cementing his legacy even further. 



Conversely, Cristiano Ronaldo will be spearheading <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a>‘s campaign, making what is likely his final attempt to capture the one major trophy that has always eluded him—his first-ever World Cup winner’s medal. The tournament promises a compelling stage for both legends.

Ronaldo and Messi to Make History With Sixth World Cup Appearance

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Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi to share historic record as Portugal join Argentina at 2026 World Cup - Bolavip US

Ronaldo, Messi to share historic record as Portugal join Argentina at 2026 World Cup

Without <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, Portugal secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup directly <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/portugal-vs-armenia-live-cristiano-ronaldo-out-for-2026-world-cup-qualifiers-finale">after a decisive victory over Armenia</a>. This tournament will mark Ronaldo’s final opportunity to clinch the elusive trophy, as he has confirmed to the media that this will be his last appearance on the World Cup stage.



With this qualification, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/will-cristiano-ronaldo-play-in-the-2026-world-cup-portugal-secure-qualification-without-cr7-vs-armenia">Cristiano Ronaldo is set to participate in his sixth World Cup</a>, which will take place in North America. His most memorable campaign among those six appearances was in 2006, when he played a crucial role alongside the likes of Figo, Maniche, and other stars to guide <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portugal</a> to the semifinals.



The current record for the most World Cup appearances is actually co-held by Ronaldo, along with other legends like Lionel Messi, Guillermo Ochoa, and Andres Guardado from Mexico, each boasting five appearances on football’s grandest stage.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-lionel-messi-to-share-historic-record-as-portugal-joins-argentina-at-2026-world-cup">Ronaldo and Messi are on the brink of making history</a> as the only players to participate in six World Cups, further cementing their legacies in the sport. They are also at the forefront of the all-time goal-scoring charts.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">😛😆🎩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FazHist%C3%B3ria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FazHistória</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WCQ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WCQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/CVVftugZcu">pic.twitter.com/CVVftugZcu</a>— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) <a href="https://twitter.com/selecaoportugal/status/1990081851969490955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Ronaldo eyes more World Cup records</h2>



With Ronaldo’s confirmed participation in the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a>, he sets his sights on breaking yet another record. He is just two goals away from surpassing Portuguese legend Eusebio’s record of eight World Cup goals, aiming to become Portugal’s top scorer in World Cup history.


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Additionally, depending on Portugal’s progress in the tournament, Ronaldo could equal or exceed Germany’s Lothar Matthaus for the second most World Cup matches played. The iconic German appeared in 25 matches, while Ronaldo currently stands at 22.



Messi holds the record with 26 World Cup matches played, and he has the potential to extend this milestone depending on Argentina’s campaign, as they have also secured their place in the next World Cup.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6919f21e2d286e1484d5eac6" data-title="Can Ronaldo surpass Matthaus&apos; milestone in the upcoming World Cup?" data-options="2"></div>

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup: How many has CR7 already played and what’s the record?

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup: How many has CR7 already played and what's the record? - Bolavip US

How many World Cups has Ronaldo already played and what's the record?

Portugal are fighting for their last chance to secure a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, needing a home win over Armenia to make it happen. With Cristiano Ronaldo absent, many expected <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/joao-felix">Joao Felix</a> to get a start, but the forward will begin the match on the bench.



Although there hasn’t been an official confirmation regarding this key decision by Roberto Martinez, all signs point to it being purely a tactical choice, with the coach betting on the talents of Goncalo Ramos and Raphael Leao to lead the attack alongside Bernardo Silva.



CR7’s absence suggested that the coach might turn to Felix’s agility and talent as one of the key offensive weapons, but he won’t be starting. It may come down to how the game unfolds to determine if he gets any minutes on the pitch.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a> desperately need a home victory over Armenia to secure an automatic spot in the next World Cup, avoiding reliance on other results that could even force them into a potential playoff.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251116_BUS_527789_goncalo-ramos_eb22417e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Goncalo Ramos" class="wp-image-527808"></figure><figcaption>Goncalo Ramos of Portugal.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Joao Felix’s stats with Portugal</h2>



As a key figure for Portugal, forward Joao Felix has accumulated solid but not yet spectacular numbers for the national team. Across 49 appearances for the Seleção, Felix has notched 11 goals and contributed to the attack as the side has navigated major tournaments and qualifying campaigns. 


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While the production is there, the 26-year-old is constantly viewed through the lens of Portugal’s attacking history, and fans are eager to see if he can transition his talent into the kind of elite, match-winning output expected of his potential.



<h2>The World Cup as the goal</h2>



Portugal enter their crucial qualifying match against Armenia knowing that only a victory will suffice to secure their place directly in the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> tournament. Anything less than a win may force the Seleção into the precarious and high-stakes playoff scenario, a route they are desperate to avoid. 



The focus is simple: the team must deliver a commanding performance and take all three points to punch their ticket outright and bypass the potential heartbreak of a repechage battle.

Why is Joao Felix not starting today for Portugal vs Armenia in UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

Why is Joao Felix not starting today for Portugal vs Armenia in UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers? - Bolavip US

Latest news from Portugal. Find out about all the news related to Portugal on bolavip.com/en