Roberto Martinez has unveiled Portugal’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The announcement, confirmed by SPORTbible, sees a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, though it also features some notable omissions from the Premier League.
The squad, tasked with navigating a challenging tournament that officially kicks off on June 11 with Mexico vs. South Africa at Estadio Azteca, includes a strong core of established stars. Among those making the cut are Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City duo Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva, and the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.
Premier League omissions raise eyebrows
Perhaps the most surprising exclusion is West Ham United’s 21-year-old midfielder Matheus Fernandes. Despite an impressive season with the Hammers that saw him earn his first senior call-up for Portugal in March, Fernandes will not be heading to North America. His strong performances had even led to links with major clubs, including Manchester United, reportedly following a personal recommendation from Bruno Fernandes.
Another significant absentee is Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha. A player with considerable international experience, Palhinha has made 37 senior appearances for Portugal since his debut in March 2021. His omission leaves a void in the midfield, with the likes of Rúben Neves, Vitinha, and João Neves securing their spots instead.
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Squad depth and tournament outlook
Martinez’s final selection includes a strong contingent across all positions. In goal, Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva, and Ricardo Velho have been chosen. The defensive line features familiar names such as Diogo Dalot, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, and Rúben Dias, complemented by Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, and Tomás Araújo. Midfield options include Matheus Nunes, Samuel Costa, and Bernardo Silva, alongside the aforementioned Bruno Fernandes.
Up front, Portugal boasts an array of attacking talent. Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, the squad includes João Félix, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceição, and Gonçalo Ramos, offering Martinez diverse options in the final third. Portugal will begin its World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17, with all 48 participating nations required to confirm their final 26-man squads by June 1.
Portugal’s squad reveal follows similar announcements from other footballing giants like France, Croatia, Belgium, and Brazil. Notably, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti also made headlines with his decision to include Neymar Jr at the expense of a Premier League player, underscoring the tough choices facing national team coaches as they finalise their rosters for the prestigious tournament.
Sources: www.sportbible.com
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