Mateus Fernandes from West Ham receives his first call-up to the national team.

The national coach of Portugal, Roberto Martinez, made waves this Friday by revealing the squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Mexico and the United States. The highlight of the list is the inclusion of Mateus Fernandes, a star of West Ham, who receives his first call-up to the senior team, marking a historic moment for the young talent. However, the absence of established figures such as Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Cristiano Ronaldo, all due to injuries, signifies a phase of transition and renewal for the national team.

Martinez, who had already pointed out in January the need to consider new forwards for the 2026 World Cup, is taking advantage of this March window to experiment with new options. While Gonçalo Ramos and Gonçalo Guedes were the only two forwards called up, other expected names such as Paulinho (Toluca), Fábio Silva (Borussia Dortmund), Cláudio Braga (Hearts), and Chermiti (Rangers) were left out. The call-up of Mateus Fernandes is not only a reward for his performance but also a sign that the national team is making room for new talents.

The return of players such as Ricardo Horta, Samu Costa, and Tomás Araújo is also noteworthy, while the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva, was confirmed following consultation with the Manchester City medical team. In addition to them, Nelson Semedo, the Fenerbahçe full-back, and João Palhinha, the Tottenham midfielder, are also not part of the squad, while Carlos Forbs, who was included in the last list, has been excluded for technical reasons.

Martinez also mentioned that the matches in America in March serve as a strategic preparation, allowing the team to adapt to the climatic conditions they will face at the World Cup, particularly concerning altitude and humidity. The call-up of Mateus Fernandes may mark the beginning of a new era for the national team, where youth and innovation combine with the experience of older players.

With pressure high and expectations growing, fans are eager to see how this new generation will perform in the upcoming challenges, as Portugal prepares for a promising future on the international football stage. The national team is undergoing transformation, and all eyes are on what Mateus Fernandes can bring to the pitch.