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Portugal are going to be an interesting team to watch at the 2026 FIFA كأس العالم. The Cristiano Ronaldo-led side recently won their second Nations League title and are currently one of the strongest teams in Europe, despite having slightly less squad depth compared to other European powerhouses like England and France.
They are yet to win the coveted World Cup title, and this might very well be the last chance for the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo to achieve that dream for his nation.
Alongside the veteran forward, Portugal have a well-balanced squad with quality players across every department.
Another emotional element tied to Portugal’s World Cup campaign next year is the tragic passing of forward Diogo Jota. The news of Jota’s death came as a shock to the footballing world. He was only 28 and had recently celebrated a Premier League title with Liverpool as well as a Nations League triumph with Portugal.
It has been a difficult loss to accept for the entire football community, especially his teammates. His absence may serve as extra motivation for the Portuguese side, who will be determined to give their all and lift the trophy in his memory.
Portugal are going to be an interesting team to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Cristiano Ronaldo-led side recently won their second Nations League title and are currently one of the strongest teams in Europe, despite having slightly less squad depth compared to other European powerhouses like England and France.
They are yet to win the coveted World Cup title, and this might very well be the last chance for the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo to achieve that dream for his nation.
Alongside the veteran forward, Portugal have a well-balanced squad with quality players across every department.
Another emotional element tied to Portugal’s World Cup campaign next year is the tragic passing of forward Diogo Jota. The news of Jota’s death came as a shock to the footballing world. He was only 28 and had recently celebrated a Premier League title with Liverpool as well as a Nations League triumph with Portugal.
It has been a difficult loss to accept for the entire football community, especially his teammates. His absence may serve as extra motivation for the Portuguese side, who will be determined to give their all and lift the trophy in his memory.
Portugal are well covered in the goalkeeping department, with Porto’s Diogo Costa leading the charge as the front-runner to start at the showpiece event next year. Costa was integral to Portugal’s 2025 success in the Nations League, making several crucial saves throughout the tournament. His composure, shot-stopping ability, and confidence with the ball at his feet make him a reliable presence between the posts.
Meanwhile, Jose Sa remains an excellent backup option. The Wolves keeper has consistently performed at a high level in the Premier League and could prove valuable for Robert Martinez’s side
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Defensively, Portugal have a sound and well-balanced setup. The center-back duo of Ruben Dias and Goncalo Inacio has performed consistently for Robert Martinez’s side. In the wider areas, Portugal are blessed with one of the top talents in world football right now – Nuno Mendes.
The young PSG star has been exceptional for both club and country, playing as a left-back. Mendes was a key figure in PSG’s treble-winning campaign in the 2024-25 season and also for the Portuguese in the Nations League. On the right, both Diogo Dalot and Nelson Semedo are excellent choices and have been performing consistently for their respective clubs in the Premier League.
مانشستر سيتي‘s Matheus Nunes is also an interesting choice to be played on the right. Although not a traditional right-back, Nunes has played solidly for the Premier League side. Antonio Silva and Tomas Araujo of Benfica are also valuable assets and could make the final cut.
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Similar to the backline, Portugal are well covered in the midfield region. Joao Neves and Vitinha have been at the top of their game playing for PSG in الدوري الفرنسي 1 and, similar to Nuno Mendes, played instrumental roles in PSG’s treble-winning campaign.
Meanwhile, Premier League stars Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes have been consistent performers for their respective Manchester sides. Bruno, especially, has been the only beacon of hope during the recent tough times at Old Trafford.
Ruben Neves has also been key, playing for the Al Hilal superteam in the Saudi Pro League. PSG’s Renato Sanches seems to have found his footing during his loan spell with Benfica and could play a part in Martinez’s side. Back in 2016, Sanches played a big role in Portugal’s Euros triumph; however, the youngster’s career has been on a downward spiral since then.
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In attack, Portugal will be highly motivated by the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar will be 41 by the time the World Cup arrives.
Although he is no longer in his prime, Ronaldo outscored everyone to finish as the top scorer of the Nations League, helping Portugal lift the title. Having already won the Euros in 2016, the World Cup remains the only major trophy that has eluded the iconic number 7, and he will not be alone in his quest to clinch the gold.
Serie A forwards Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao have also been in great form and will carry huge responsibilities in the attacking third alongside Ronaldo. Francisco Trincao has been performing exceptionally for Sporting in the Primeira Liga and could be in Martinez’s plans for the World Cup.
The likes of Pedro Neto and Goncalo Ramos are also solid options for Martinez to consider.
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Portugal have a set of star players at their disposal for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next year. Cristiano Ronaldo will undoubtedly be their main man going into the tournament, carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders. Meanwhile, AC Milan‘s Rafael Leao has been one of the top performers in Serie A and is a valuable asset for Roberto Martinez’s Portuguese side.
Francisco Conceicao has also been performing brilliantly during his loan spell at Juventus. The young winger recently scored a stunning equalizer against Germany in the semi-final of the Nations League for Portugal.
In midfield, all attention will be on Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha who will be key in dictating the tempo of the game and creating chances from the middle of the park.
Moving on to the backline, Nuno Mendes will be a crucial figure for Portugal, both offensively and defensively. Mendes has been in the form of his life under Luis Enrique at PSG and will have a significant role to play at the World Cup next year.
As mentioned previously, Diogo Costa is expected to be the first-choice keeper for Portugal at the World Cup. The Porto goalkeeper has been a regular in the starting XI and is likely to continue in that role at the showpiece event, with Jose Sa serving as his backup.
In defense, the back four of Nuno Mendes, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, and Nelson Semedo offers a well-balanced setup. This combination provides Portugal with both defensive stability and attacking freedom from the wider areas.
In the middle of the park, Vitinha is set to play a key role for the Portuguese alongside Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva. The young and talented Joao Neves could also be a potential threat coming off the bench.
Up front, Portugal are expected to start the pacy Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao on the wings, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line as the primary threat in front of goal.
Predicted Portugal starting XIu0026nbsp;(4-3-3): Costa; Mendes, Dias, Inacio, Semedo; Vitinha, Bruno, Bernardo; Leao, Ronaldo, Conceicao
