Portugal World Cup 2026 team guide

This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network , a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June. The plan Portugal secured their ninth World Cup appearance, and their seventh in a row, with relative ease, even if a home draw against Hungary in October and a defeat in Ireland in November delayed the celebrations until the final matchday. In that final game, Roberto Martínez’s side (without Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been sent off in Dublin) thrashed Armenia 9-1. Variety is the key quality here. Martínez capitalises on the tactical versatility of his squad: João Neves and Matheus Nunes can operate as full-backs or midfielders (sometimes in the same match); João Cancelo and Diego Dalot play comfortably on either flank; and Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva constantly rotate roles. Despite this fluidity, the coach’s selections remain stable. The starting XI has at least seven “untouchable” spots. The spine is well defined, led by figures such as Diogo Costa, Rúben Dias, Fernandes, Silva and Ronaldo, with Nuno Mendes and Vitinha also serving as undisputed starters. …