Portugal World Cup squad: Confirmed roster and predicted lineup for 2026

Portugal are among the dark horses to win World Cup 2026, as Roberto Martinez 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.

Portugal may be a relatively small country with a population of less than 11 million, yet they have some tremendous footballers in their ranks.

Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong at 41, and although he continues to regularly score goals for Portugal, Martinez will need to come up with a system that works despite minimal defensive contributions from the striker.

Portugal will begin with a 4-2-3-1 formation, although they could switch to a 4-3-3 against stronger sides. The Manchester-based trio of Ruben Dias, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva all have key roles to play.

Portugal will kick-start their campaign against DR Congo on June 17, before which Martinez has plenty to think about.

Roberto Martinez brings experience

Roberto Martinez 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.

Martinez’s teams are sometimes suspect defensively, so it is vital that Portugal do not leave themselves exposed at the back.

Martinez 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 Martinez 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 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 is currently striving to break 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. Joao Neves will be tasked with breaking up play in the centre of the pitch, making him vulnerable to bookings. The combative Joao Palhinha is another potential pick, even though he looks set to start as a substitute.

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 nation to claim the prize.

Their best ever showing was in 1966, when a team containing Eusebio finished third. Portugal also reached the semi-finals in 2006, but on that occasion they lost to Germany in the third-place play-off.

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

At the time of writing, Portugal do not have any major injury concerns ahead of the World Cup.

Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was absent during the March international break, but he has since returned to full fitness. Rafael Leao has suffered from a niggling abductor problem this term, but he has been officially included in the squad for this summer.

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

Pepe finally called time on his international career after Euro 2024, so Goncalo Inacio is the leading contender to partner Ruben Dias at centre-back. Joao Palhinha will be in the squad but has been pushed down the pecking order by Joao Neves. Cristiano Ronaldo may have to share the centre-forward minutes with Goncalo Ramos.

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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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