Portugal face Sweden on March 21 as Roberto Martinez’s side begin their preparations for Euro 2024 this summer.
The international window sees the majority of Euro 2024 qualifiers playing two friendly games and Portugal take on Sweden and Slovenia this month.
Cristiano Ronaldo had been expected to link up with his squad from Al Nassr, alongside a host of Premier League star names included in Martinez’s selections, as part of a final attempt to impress the manager ahead of the tournament.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch it across the world, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
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What time does Portugal vs Sweden kick off?
This international friendly match takes place at the Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques in Guimarães, Portugal and kicks off on Thursday, March 21 at 7:45 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Thu, Mar. 21 | 3:45 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Thu, Mar. 21 | 3:45 p.m. ET |
| UK | Thu, Mar. 21 | 7:45 p.m. GMT |
| Australia | Fri, Mar. 22 | 6:45 a.m. AEDT |
| India | Fri, Mar. 22 | 1:15 a.m. IST |
Portugal vs Sweden live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this international friendly match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | Fox Soccer Plus | Fubo, ViX |
| Canada | — | |
| UK | — | Viaplay UK |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | Sony TEN 3 | JioTV, SONY LIV |
USA: This game is available on Fox Soccer Plus with streaming options on Fubo. New users can currently sign up for a FREE trial.
Canada: This international friendly game streams live on DAZN.
UK: This match is available to stream on Viaplay UK.
Australia: Fans in Australia can stream this match live and on-demand on Optus Sport.
India: JioTV and Sony LIV are the live streaming options for this game.
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Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing vs. Sweden?
According to ESPN, the Al-Nassr striker has been omitted from the lineup solely to allow the 39-year-old to enjoy a brief vacation with his family in Saudi Arabia.
It sees some much-needed rest for the Portuguese forward during the pause in the Saudi Pro League for the international break.
This decision comes following his game for Al-Nassr on Saturday evening, where he completed the full 90 minutes.
Portugal vs Sweden lineups, team news
Martinez has a swell of talent available, including Manchester City trio Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes and Bernardo Silva. Portugal’s starting XI for Euro 2024 still has some spaces available and these games will be a final audition for the squad.
Portugal predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Costa (GK) — Mario, Dias, Inacio, Guerreiro — Palhinha, Nunes — Silva, Fernandes, Felix — Ramos.
Portugal subs (9): TBC
Sweden missed out on qualification for Euro 2024 but they have a new head coach following the arrival of former Blackburn Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson.
The former Danish international has plenty of Premier League experience at his disposal alongside one of Europe’s most in form strikers in Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres.
Sweden predicted XI (4-3-3 right to left): Olsen (GK) — Hien, Ekdal, Lindelof, Holm — Forsberg, Svanberg, Cajuste — Isak, Gyökeres, Elanga .
Sweden subs (9): TBC
Portugal vs Sweden prediction
Portugal have won their last 10 successive games to storm into Euro 2024. That run of results covers Martinez’s full tenure in charge since coming in after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
They also have an incredible record of just two goals conceded in that streak of victories and Sweden could be in for a tough night if the hosts click into gear.
Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Sweden