Portugal will look to secure its ticket to the 2026 World Cup in Thursday’s qualifier against the Republic of Ireland at Dublin Arena. However, Cristiano Ronaldo will be without key teammate Nuno Mendes as they aim to claim all three points.
Nuno Mendes won’t be playing against Ireland as the left back has been left out from the Portugal squad due to injury. During Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League game against Bayern Munich, the left back ended up suffering a sprain in his left knee, forcing him to be sidelined for several weeks.
PSG did not specify an exact recovery timeline, but Nuno Mendes is expected to return to action before the end of the year. The Portuguese star — widely regarded as the best left-back in the world right now — will, however, miss the November FIFA international window with Portugal.
On Wednesday’s press conference, head coach Roberto Martinez addressed Mendes’ absence: “Nuno Mendes is the best player in the world. It’s very subjective, but I don’t see anyone better than him right now. He’s complete — he can push forward, cover the flanks, defend one-on-one, and he could even develop as a center-back. He’s special — no one can replace him,” Martínez said.
Nuno Mendes of Portugal wins UEFA Nations League 2025 Finals MVP award.
*Developing story…
