Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has officially announced his 26 man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The headline inclusion is captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to make history by appearing at a record-breaking sixth finals at 41 years old. Martínez strongly defended the selection of the veteran striker, emphasizing that his contributions extend far beyond his reputation.
However, the announcement also brought heartbreak for several notable names who failed to make the cut. High-profile midfielders João Palhinha and Mateus Fernandes were both omitted from the final roster despite their impressive club seasons.
The Seleção heading to North America boasts tremendous depth, headlined by Manchester United’s newly crowned FWA Footballer of the Year, Bruno Fernandes.
Portugal will begin their quest for an first World Cup title in Group K against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Houston on June 17. Martínez’s side will then remain in Houston to face Uzbekistan on June 23, before concluding their group stage matches against Colombia in Miami on June 27.
Portugal’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP); Ricardo Velho (Gençlerbirliği Ankara)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United); Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahce SK), Joao Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal); Ruben Dias (Manchester City); Tomas Araujo (SL Benfica)
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samuel Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Attackers: Joao Félix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (PSG); Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)