Portugal, a team packed with world-class talents, is once again being touted as one of the top contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Under head coach Roberto Martinez, the Selecao boast a blend of legendary experience and emerging stars, with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to lead his teammates in what is likely to be his final World Cup appearance.
Former Martapura FC striker and passionate Portugal supporter M. Aidil Bogel shares this belief.
“Portugal is my favourite because of Cristiano Ronaldo, and this could be his last World Cup as a player,” he said.
Bogel believes this Portugal side arrives at the 2026 World Cup in a far stronger position than previous generations.
“In the past, Portugal relied heavily on one or two stars. Now, they have a squad that is balanced across all positions. This might even be the deepest squad Portugal has ever had.”
All eyes will naturally be on Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41, he will be competing in his sixth World Cup — a remarkable feat unlikely to be repeated soon.
The twist to this story is that the World Cup remains the only major trophy missing from his illustrious career.
Why Portugal Deserve to Be Favourites
If Bogel were analysing Portugal as an opponent, he admits that the team’s biggest strength lies in their midfield.
Portugal’s midfield is a perfect mix of creativity, control, and energy. With Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, and João Neves, they can dominate possession against almost any team.
“That midfield is made up of players from championship-winning clubs,” he added.
Behind them, defenders like Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes provide reliability and composure during their prime years.
Why Ronaldo Must Still Be Called Up and Played
Many people only focus on Ronaldo’s age, but World Cup football isn’t just about physicality.
His winning mentality and experience are invaluable. No other Portuguese player knows how to handle immense pressure like he does.
His leadership in the dressing room boosts the confidence of younger teammates.
Bogel also highlighted his effectiveness inside the penalty box. While his mobility has decreased, his instinct for scoring remains lethal.
“If I were the coach, I might not play Ronaldo for 90 minutes every match. But in big games, players like him can make the difference with one decisive moment,” Bogel said with a laugh.
Despite their overall strength, Portugal still face a few uncertainties — notably their continued dependence on Ronaldo in crucial matches. Their attacking consistency also remains under scrutiny.
Players like Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Ramos, and João Félix have immense talent but have yet to prove consistent under tournament pressure.
Bogel predicts Portugal will top Group K, which also includes Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Congo.
“If they can progress smoothly through the group stage and manage their knockout opponents well, I believe Portugal can reach the final and win it,” he said confidently.
According to The Hard Tackle, if everything goes according to plan, Ronaldo’s final World Cup could end as one of the most beautiful chapters in football history.
Portugal’s World Cup story has been one of heartbreak, brilliance, and unfulfilled potential.
Their first appearance came in 1966 when Eusébio’s nine goals propelled them to a stunning third-place finish — still their best result until 2006, when a young Cristiano Ronaldo helped them reach the semi-finals before losing to France and then Germany in the third-place play-off.
Since 1998, Portugal have been a regular at the World Cup but have struggled to turn talent into triumph — exits in the Round of 16 in 2010 and 2018, a group-stage elimination in 2014, and a quarter-final defeat in Qatar two years ago.
Although they’ve won Euro 2016 and twice claimed the Nations League, Portugal have long carried the label of underachievers on football’s biggest stage.
Now, at 41, Cristiano Ronaldo stands on the brink of his sixth and likely final World Cup, chasing the one major trophy that has eluded his legendary career.
Set against the backdrop of North America, Portugal arrive under Roberto Martinez with a squad that fuses veteran leadership with youthful energy.
The question on every Portuguese fan’s mind is simple yet heavy: Will 2026 finally break the curse? With a near-perfect qualifying campaign, a reinvented tactical identity, and arguably the tournament’s best midfield, Portugal have all the ingredients. But the World Cup is unforgiving, and history shows that talent alone is never enough.
Portugal’s journey to Canada–Mexico–USA 2026 may not have been flashy, but it was ruthlessly effective. The Selecao topped UEFA Group F with 13 points from six matches, sealing direct qualification with one game remaining after a 9-1 demolition of Armenia.
They recorded four wins, one draw, and one defeat — not flawless, but a mark of impressive consistency for a team labelled among the favourites.
The numbers tell the story: 20 goals scored in six qualifiers (an average of over three per game) and only seven conceded, giving them a +13 goal difference — second-best in their group, three points clear of the Republic of Ireland.
The campaign began with wins over Armenia, Hungary, and Ireland, though a 2-2 home draw with Hungary and a shock 2-0 loss in Dublin briefly threatened Martinez’s perfect record.
But there was never any real doubt about Portugal’s qualification. Bruno Fernandes and João Neves both netted hat-tricks in the final match against Armenia, showcasing the squad’s depth even without the suspended Ronaldo.
The 9-1 win wasn’t just about the scoreline — it was a statement of intent that Portugal could dominate weaker opponents while maintaining their possession-based identity.
Under Martinez, Portugal have improved steadily. In 21 official games, he’s guided them to 17 wins, two draws, and two losses — both at Euro 2024.
This qualifying run reaffirmed that consistency, proving Portugal can control the tempo and rebound strongly after setbacks. Their response to the Ireland defeat with a commanding win over Armenia highlighted the mental resilience crucial for success in North America.
Roberto Martinez and Portugal’s Tactical Evolution
Appointed in January 2023 as the third foreign manager to lead Portugal, Roberto Martinez replaced Fernando Santos with a clear mission: modernise the team and unleash the full potential of its golden generation. Two years later, the transformation is evident.
Portugal have evolved from a cautious, defence-first side into a fluid, possession-dominant team capable of attacking from multiple angles.
Martinez’s tactical identity is rooted in flexibility. He typically employs a 4-3-3 setup but adapts his approach based on the attacking trio. Sometimes he opts for width with Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, or Francisco Conceição providing service to Ronaldo, while other times he prefers a more balanced, fluid attack led by João Félix or Gonçalo Ramos. This adaptability is vital in knockout football.
His World Cup qualifying record is elite — he became the first Portugal manager to complete a qualifying phase with a perfect record during Euro 2024, winning all ten matches.
Overall, Martinez boasts 20 wins in 26 matches (including friendlies), with only two draws and four defeats. Yet, tournament football remains his biggest challenge — Euro 2024 ended in disappointment as Portugal failed to score in two knockout matches before losing to France on penalties in the quarter-finals.
The 2024–25 UEFA Nations League final against Spain showcased Martinez’s tactical sharpness. Switching mid-match to a more orthodox 4-3-3 with João Neves centralised neutralised Spain’s threat, leading to a 5-3 penalty shootout win after a 2-2 draw. Such adaptability will be vital in the World Cup.
Expect Portugal to control possession, press high, and fully exploit their creative midfield options. Martinez has built a team capable of outplaying weaker sides yet resilient enough to defend deep against elite opposition when needed.
The Squad: Ronaldo’s Swan Song and a Generation Ready to Shine
Roberto Martinez announced Portugal’s 26-man World Cup squad on May 19, 2026, and the headline was clear: Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, returns for one final dance.
The decision sparked debate, but Bruno Fernandes defended it, noting that Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time top scorer with 143 goals and an irreplaceable leader. Beyond Ronaldo, the squad reads like a roll call of Europe’s elite talent.
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sá (Wolves), Rui Silva (Sporting), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Man United), Matheus Nunes (Man City), Rúben Dias (Man City), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahçe), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomás Araújo (Benfica)
Midfielders: Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), João Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Man United), Bernardo Silva (Man City)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), João Félix (Al-Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG)
Portugal’s midfield remains their strongest department, with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, and João Neves forming a unit capable of matching any team.
Diogo Costa is expected to start in goal after his heroics in the Nations League final, while Rúben Dias anchors a defence featuring versatile full-backs João Cancelo and Diogo Dalot.
Key Players: Stars Who Will Define Portugal’s Campaign
Cristiano Ronaldo
At 41, Ronaldo arrives with 143 international goals and an unrelenting desire to win the World Cup. His leadership and experience remain invaluable, and he continues to pose a threat in the box, scoring 16 goals in the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League season.
His brace in the title-deciding match against Damac proved he still delivers when it matters. However, questions persist about the competitiveness of the Saudi league compared to Europe’s top five leagues and whether it can fully prepare him for the World Cup’s intensity.
Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes enters in sensational form, with 12 goals and 24 assists in all competitions during 2025–26. His hat-trick against Armenia secured qualification for Portugal and earned him a perfect 10 rating from WhoScored. As Manchester United’s captain, his leadership and creativity make him Portugal’s most influential player after Ronaldo.
However, critics point to occasional inconsistency and a tendency to overcomplicate plays, which can slow Portugal’s attacking rhythm. His defensive work rate has also been questioned.
Bernardo Silva
The Manchester City playmaker boasts 717 career appearances, 118 goals, and 125 assists. His technical control, dribbling, and versatility make him irreplaceable. In 2025–26, he contributed 4 goals and 6 assists across all competitions. His limited defensive output and physical fatigue at 31 could become issues in a demanding tournament.
Vitinha
The PSG midfielder dictates Portugal’s tempo, registering 7 goals and 7 assists in 60 matches during 2024–25. His passing precision and vision are vital to Martinez’s possession-heavy system. In 2025–26, he added 6 goals and 1 assist in the Champions League. However, his physicality remains a concern against aggressive pressing sides.
João Neves
The 21-year-old PSG sensation recorded 10 goals and 4 assists in 38 appearances in 2025–26. His partnership with Vitinha at PSG has blossomed, earning him a perfect 10 rating alongside Fernandes versus Armenia. Despite a 91.5% passing accuracy in the Champions League, his lack of major tournament experience could be a vulnerability, with competition from Rúben Neves and Samu Costa heating up.
Notable Omissions: The Surprise Exclusions
João Palhinha – The Tottenham holding midfielder was a surprising omission given his reputation as one of the Premier League’s top ball-winners. Martinez’s preference for progressive midfielders like João Neves and Rúben Neves signalled a shift in tactical priorities.
Pedro Gonçalves – The Sporting CP attacking midfielder missed out despite tallying 13 goals and 8 assists in 2025–26. A late-season injury and competition from Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição cost him a spot.
Ricardo Horta – The 31-year-old Braga winger was left out due to younger, faster options like Rafael Leão and Francisco Conceição. Martinez’s high-pressing system favours pace and dynamism over experience.
Antonio Silva – The 22-year-old Benfica defender’s exclusion was another shock, suggesting Martinez prioritised Rúben Dias’s experience and Gonçalo Inácio’s versatility.
Rodrigo Mora – The versatile forward’s absence limited Portugal’s attacking flexibility. Though not as established as Ronaldo, João Félix, or Ramos, Mora’s energy and ability to play multiple roles could have been valuable.
Group K Fixtures: The Challenge Ahead
Portugal’s opener against DR Congo should be straightforward, but Colombia presents a real test. Returning after missing 2022, the South Americans could challenge Portugal for top spot.
Portugal’s 2026 World Cup Schedule So Far:
(Banjarmasinpost.co.id)
