Portugal secured qualification for their ninth World Cup appearance and seventh consecutive tournament despite challenges in the final rounds of qualifying [1]. The team arrives ranked fifth in the FIFA world rankings ahead of the tournament [2].
Head coach Roberto Martínez has been credited with improving Portugal’s resilience, which helped them win the UEFA Nations League [1, 2]. Speaking about the squad, Martínez described the late Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in 2025, as a “plus one forever” and a key spiritual inspiration. “It is a responsibility to fight for Diogo’s dream. He is our strength and our joy,” Martínez said. “The spirit, the strength, the example of Diogo Jota... he will be the plus one forever” [1, 2].
Portugal’s squad, announced on June 7, 2026, includes 27 players plus this symbolic “plus one” tribute to Jota [2]. The roster features versatile players such as João Neves, Matheus Nunes, João Cancelo, Diego Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva who provide tactical flexibility [1].
Cristiano Ronaldo, the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 143 international goals, is expected to be part of the squad if fit. At 41, questions remain over whether this will be his final World Cup [1, 2]. Portugal’s best World Cup finish remains third place in 1966, with eight previous appearances before 2026 [2].
The FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament kicked off on June 11 [1]. Portugal will seek to build on their recent Nations League success and honor their late teammate in the global competition.
