Portugal Head Coach Roberto Martinez has declared his side as genuine candidates for World Cup glory, citing a potent mix of high-level quality and recent silverware as proof of their credentials.
Speaking on June 13, 2026, Martinez pointed to the squad’s “tournament experience” and their 2025 UEFA Nations League triumph as the foundation for their upcoming campaign. The Portuguese side, currently ranked 6th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, starts their journey on Wednesday aiming for a maiden world title.
Martinez has overseen significant changes in the three-and-a-half years since taking the job in January 2023, after replacing Fernando Santos. During this tenure, Portugal achieved a flawless qualification campaign, winning all ten of their matches and securing a record-breaking 9-0 victory over Luxembourg.
The manager expressed surprise at the speed of the team’s evolution, noting the emergence of young stars like Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and Joao Neves who have become indispensable starting members.
The upcoming tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams and is scheduled to be held across three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Unlike previous cycles, the expanded format requires a heightened level of resilience. Martinez believes the mental fortitude within the group changed during their Euro 2024 quarter-final exit to France.
Despite the penalty shootout defeat, Martinez remains convinced that the match won them the Nations League by proving they could dominate possession against the world’s elite.
Roberto Martinez backs Ronaldo for record sixth World Cup appearance
A central figure in Portugal’s ambitions is Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41 is set to participate in his sixth World Cup. Roberto Martinez strongly dismissed any notion that the captain’s selection is sentimental, stating that his “present form earns it every time.”
Ronaldo remains the most capped player in international football with 226 appearances and 143 goals. Much as Salah faces a career defining choice regarding his future, Ronaldo is focusing on a “step by step” approach rather than treating this as a farewell tour.
The team is also fueled by a poignant tribute to the late Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash at the age of 28. Jota was a vital part of the qualification campaign, and Martinez has named a symbolic “27+1” squad to carry Jota’s dream of winning titles for Portugal into the tournament.
This emotional core is bolstered by a deep roster including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Dias. Similar to how major clubs prioritize a defense to build success, Martinez has fostered a squad with immense depth across every position.
World Cup 2026 schedule and Group K logistics
Portugal concluded their arrival preparations with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria, a match Martinez described as an ideal simulation for their physical northern hemisphere opponents. To manage the physical load of the squad, the coaching staff implemented strict individual plans during the warm-ups.
Nuno Mendes and Gonçalo Ramos were limited to 30 minutes, while Vitinha and João Neves played 45 minutes to ensure they remain fresh for the opener in Texas. The latest sport news updates regarding World Cup 2026 confirm that Martinez has yet to finalize his starting eleven due to intense internal competition.
Portugal will compete in Group K, with the following confirmed fixtures:
- Wednesday, June 17: vs. Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston
- Tuesday, June 23: vs. Uzbekistan in Houston
- Saturday, June 27: vs. Colombia in Miami
Despite a rich history that includes winning Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles, Portugal has never reached a World Cup final. Their historical best remains a third-place finish in 1966 and fourth in 2006.
After falling 1-0 to Morocco in the 2022 quarter-finals, there is a renewed sense that this squad — which Martinez notes comes from a population of just 10 million — has the tactical maturity to break that glass ceiling.
The focus now shifts to Houston for the crucial opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
