Portugal World Cup 2026 Preview: Ronaldo’s Final Shot at the Biggest Prize
Portugal arrive at the 2026 World Cup as one of the more credible contenders to lift the trophy, blending tactical flexibility with some of the best individual talent in the tournament. For a detailed look at their group fixtures and odds, check out our World Cup 2026 hub.
According to a team guide published by The Guardian as part of their 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, Roberto Martínez’s side qualified with relative comfort despite a wobble late in the campaign — a home draw against Hungary and a defeat in Ireland briefly delayed confirmation. They eventually sealed their place on the final matchday by hammering Armenia 9-1, without Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been sent off in the previous match in Dublin.
A Versatile but Settled Side
One of Martínez’s key strengths has been building a squad where flexibility and stability coexist. Players like João Neves, Matheus Nunes, João Cancelo, and Diogo Dalot can fill multiple roles across a match, while Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva rotate positions fluidly in midfield and attack. Despite all that movement, The Guardian notes there are at least seven effectively guaranteed starters, with Diogo Costa, Rúben Dias, Fernandes, Silva, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and Ronaldo forming the spine.
Martínez himself pointed to growth since Euro 2024: *