Portugal World Cup 2026 squad: Lineup and tactics for Colombia

Portugal are among the dark horses to win World Cup 2026, as Roberto Martínez attempts to lead the country to their first ever triumph on the biggest stage of all.

European champions in 2016, Portugal have never gone beyond the semi-finals at the World Cup, and that is something they are desperate to change in North America. They didn’t get off to the best start, however, being frustrated in a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. They did then respond emphatically with a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, but will need to also beat Colombia to win the group.

Thr performance of Cristiano Ronaldo was the hot topic amongst pundits and commentators after the opener, but – inevitably – he answered with two goals in game two.

Martínez has been deploying a 4-2-3-1, with Ronaldo up top, PSG pair João Neves and Vitinha in midfield, and Bruno Fernandes just ahead of them in the main playmaking role. That’s where the biggest strength of this Portuguese team lies, although mavericks like Rafael Leão can also help unlock stubborn defences.

While it sounds like a top team on paper, performances like that against DR Congo haven’t been uncommon in previous tournaments and it can be argued that Portugal have looked more fluid whenever the head coach has had the bravery to bench Ronaldo in recent years – this was certainly true in the last World Cup when they thrashed Switzerland!

Check out our latest World Cup match betting tips and predictions ahead of today’s games

Portugal World Cup 2026 squad and predicted lineup: key takeaways

• Bruno Fernandes could offer good value in the goalscorer market but particularly the assist markets. The Man Utd playmaker comes to North America off the back of a record-setting 21-assist campaign in the Premier League.
• Ronaldo has played every minute so far but, at 41, might not be able to do so the further we get into the competition and when faced with more physical opponents.
• Martínez’s defensive record as a manager is a known weakness, making Portugal potentially vulnerable in high-press knockout ties and worth considering in both-teams-to-score markets against quality opposition.
• João Neves is the most relevant Portugal player for the cards market, as the holding midfielder tasked with breaking up play in a team that will face sustained pressure from stronger sides in the knockouts.
• Portugal have never progressed beyond the semi-finals at a World Cup despite consistently fielding world-class squads, which is a tournament pedigree point worth factoring into any deep-run outright markets, particularly if they face Spain or France in the knockout rounds.

Roberto Martínez brings experience

Roberto Martínez has been in international management for a decade, so he knows his way around a knockout tournament.
The Spaniard was not quite able to lead Belgium’s golden generation to a major trophy, although a third-place finish at World Cup 2018 was an achievement to be proud of.

Martínez’s teams are sometimes suspect defensively – and the goal DR Congo scored highlights that. Portugal also looked vulnerable on the rare occasions the Africans were able to counter.

Martínez is an attack-minded manager, and that suits a squad bursting with talent. Portugal will aim to dominate possession in virtually every match they play, but Martínez must be prepared to mix things up when the situation calls for it.

The star player: Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes has had arguably the most effective season of his Manchester United career, but the attacking midfielder has been a consistent performer ever since he moved to the Premier League in 2020.

A natural creator with an eye for a defence-splitting pass, Fernandes also provides wicked deliveries from set-piece situations. He is an intelligent player too, frequently taking up awkward positions between the lines.

Fernandes is in fantastic form and, having made his international debut one year after Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph, he will be particularly desperate to win silverware with his country. Because of his tactical understanding, Fernandes could be used in a deeper midfield role if Portugal ever want to switch to a 4-3-3 configuration.

Portugal 2026 World Cup confirmed 26-man squad

How Portugal lined up against Uzbekistan

Manchester City’s Rúben Dias returned at the heart of defence after not being deemed fit enough for the opening game. Tomás Araújo made way. João Félix came into the attacking trio behind Ronaldo in place of Bernardo Silva.

Francisco Conceição and Rafael Leão have been introduced off the bench in both games, with the latter adding the fifth goal against Uzbekistan.

Martínez is spoilt for choice in the attacking positions and may opt to continue swapping the wide players around until the winning combination is found.

How to bet on the Portugal World Cup squad

There are specific betting markets relevant to the Portugal starting XI for World Cup 2026. One of the most popular is the anytime goalscorer market. Cristiano Ronaldo is the obvious choice here given his extraordinary scoring record, but Bruno Fernandes provides better value.

Fernandes, who has just broken the Premier League’s single-season assist record, would be an astute pick in the assist market, which is offered by several bookmakers. 

Another individual player market worth watching is cards. João Neves will be tasked with breaking up play in the centre of the pitch, making him vulnerable to bookings. For a full breakdown of which teams and players offer the best value across the tournament, see our World Cup predictions guide.

Is there a chance of Portugal winning World Cup?

Portugal are one of the most fascinating teams to assess in this World Cup, and the bookmaker odds for World Cup reflect that uncertainty, they sit around +1000 (10/1) in the outright market, firmly in the second tier of contenders behind France, Spain, Argentina and England.

On paper they have every ingredient of a genuine title threat, with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Rafael Leão and Cristiano Ronaldo leading one of the deepest squads in the competition. The reason they’re not priced shorter is consistency.

FAQ about the 2026 Portugal World Cup squad

1. How many times have Portugal won the World Cup?

Portugal have never won the World Cup, so success this summer would make them the ninth different nation to claim the prize.

Their best ever showing was in 1966, when a team containing Eusébio finished third. Portugal also reached the semi-finals in 2006, losing to France and then hosts Germany in the third-place playoff. If you’re looking to back Portugal this summer, we’ve rounded up the best World Cup betting offers available right now.

2. Which players are injured and missing from the starting 11?

At the time of writing, Portugal do not have any major injury concerns, but are looking to ease Rúben Dias back into action – he is by far their most experienced and accomplished central defender.

Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was absent during the March international break, but he has since returned to full fitness and started the DR Congo game. Rafael Leão has suffered from a niggling abductor problem this term, but he has been officially included in the squad, and came off the bench on Wednesday night.

3. Are there any changes to Portugal’s usual starting 11?

Pepe finally called time on his international career after Euro 2024, and the centre back position next to Rúben Dias certainly does seem up for grabs. If Cristiano Ronaldo is to be rested at any point, Gonçalo Ramos will be the next go-to striking option.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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