Portugal National Football Team World Cup 2026 Squad

Roberto Martínez has named his Portugal squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won 226 caps and scored 143 goals both world records will head to a sixth tournament at the age of 41. Elsewhere, Martínez has called upon Manchester City duo Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva, as well as the Paris Saint-Germain quartet of Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Gonçalo Ramos, and Vitinha. There is, however, no room for Tottenham’s João Palhinha or Benfica defender António Silva.

The squad includes a fourth goalkeeper in the shape of Gençlerbirliği stopper Ricardo Velho, bringing the player tally to 27. That number will be reduced to 26 by the submission deadline on 2 June.

At Qatar 2022, Ronaldo smashed home a penalty in Portugal’s opening match against Ghana not only helping his side to a 3–2 victory but also becoming the first player to score at five World Cups.

The superstar forward began his World Cup odyssey with a spot-kick in a victory over Iran at Germany 2006, as Portugal reached their first semi-final in 40 years. Goals against North Korea and Ghana over the next two tournaments continued his streak. At Russia 2018, Ronaldo produced his finest World Cup performance, netting a heroic hat-trick in a 3–3 draw with Spain, before scoring a trademark header in a win over Morocco.

Ronaldo will be joined by Lionel Messi in the quest to become the first players to take part in six World Cups. He currently sits fifth on the all-time appearance list with 22, four behind the Argentinian’s record, and has scored eight goals in the competition.

Source: footballscore.news