Cristiano Ronaldo Set for Stunning Return to the U.S. in 2026
Twelve years later, Cristiano Ronaldo is finally coming back to the United States. A blockbuster friendly is about to be confirmed… and the football world is already buzzing.
A Historic Comeback Months Before the World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo is on track to return to the United States. According to The Athletic, the U.S. Soccer Federation and the Portuguese Football Federation have reached an agreement to stage a high-profile international friendly in March 2026 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The match is expected to headline the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
But beyond the sporting appeal, the global spotlight is fixed on one detail: Ronaldo’s long-awaited comeback to American soil.
Ronaldo’s First U.S. Appearance Since 2014
The last time Cristiano Ronaldo played in the United States was August 2, 2014, when he came on as a substitute for Real Madrid against Manchester United in front of 109,318 fans at Michigan Stadium.
Earlier that summer, he had also featured for Portugal in a friendly against Ireland at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Since then, his absence has been amplified by the off-field headlines that surfaced in 2017 after Der Spiegel published allegations involving an incident from 2009 in Las Vegas — claims Ronaldo has always denied, and which never resulted in charges.
Nevertheless, the superstar has not taken part in any football activity in the U.S. with Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United, or Al Nassr… until now.
How the Agreement Came Together
Negotiations between the federations began last September as part of the U.S. plan to assemble a strong pre-World Cup schedule. Talks also included a proposed match against Belgium, which depended on both Portugal and Belgium avoiding the World Cup playoffs.
Portugal cleared the final hurdle this weekend, earning direct qualification thanks to a dominant 9-1 win over Armenia, officially opening the door for the Atlanta friendly to be finalized.
A Global Event Waiting for the Green Light
Once confirmed, USA vs Portugal will instantly become one of the most anticipated fixtures of the pre-World Cup calendar. It brings together two ambitious national teams — and marks the long-awaited return of one of the greatest players ever to set foot on American soil.
Twelve years later, the U.S. is getting Cristiano Ronaldo back. And this time, the whole world will be watching.
