Portugal National Team Manager Roberto Martínez officially announced his 27-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup during a press conference at the Cidade do Futebol on Tuesday. The tournament will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19.
Addressing a crowded auditorium of journalists following the announcement, the head coach justified his tactical selections for the upcoming competition. Portugal will compete in the group stage against the national teams of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.
The squad features four goalkeepers, with Diogo Costa of FC Porto, José Sá of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rui Silva of Sporting CP, and Ricardo Velho of Genclerbirligi Ankara selected to anchor the defense.
The defensive lineup boasts deep international experience and versatility, including Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot, Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes and Rúben Dias, Fenerbahce’s Nélson Semedo, FC Barcelona’s João Cancelo, Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes, Sporting CP’s Gonçalo Inácio, Villarreal’s Renato Veiga, and SL Benfica’s Tomás Araújo.
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In the midfield, Martínez has opted for a creative and robust engine room to dictate the team’s tempo. The selected players include Al Hilal’s Rúben Neves, Mallorca’s Samuel Costa, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, alongside the Paris Saint-Germain duo of João Neves and Vitinha.
The attacking line is headlined by team captain Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr, who leads a highly dynamic frontline. Joining him in the forward positions are his Al Nassr teammate João Félix, Sporting CP’s Francisco Trincão, Juventus’ Francisco Conceição, Chelsea’s Pedro Neto, AC Milan’s Rafael Leão, Real Sociedad’s Gonçalo Guedes, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Gonçalo Ramos.
