Portugal will be hoping 2026 is the year they finally end their World Cup duck and lift the trophy aloft for the first time.
In this article, we’ll cover
2026: The year of the Selecao?
Given the stature of their nation and the quality players they have produced over the years, Portugal’s World Cup record is surprisingly modest.
Though Eusebio led them to a third-place finish on debut in 1966, only since 2002 have they been ever-presents at the finals.
Their other World Cup semi-final appearance came in 2006 – another year ending in the number six. Could that prove a positive omen for them in their quest to go those extra couple of steps?
The Selecao know what it takes to get over the line in major tournaments, having landed their second UEFA Nations League title last year. That will stand them in good stead at the World Cup finals.
Ronaldo’s last crack?
We thought that was the case given the dejected figure he cut after Portugal’s quarter-final exit at the hands of Morocco four years ago.
Yet, at the age of 41, Ronaldo looks set to appear at his sixth World Cup finals, and this will surely be his last.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is fortunate not to be missing his country’s opening games at the finals, following his red card against the Republic of Ireland in their penultimate qualifier.
Indeed, that ban was suspended for a year, so he will be eager to capitalise on his reprieve.
Roberto Martinez will have to manage his game time wisely, but Ronaldo is always capable of producing a moment of magic when called upon.
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Strength in depth
In this regard, there are not many nations better equipped with quality than Portugal.
Their squad is absolutely littered with world-class players, Champions League winners and league title winners.
Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Ruben Dias – the list goes on.
Portugal are expected to comfortably navigate their way through Group K, which also features Colombia and Uzbekistan, as well as one of DR Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia.
Looking at the draw, there is a potential mouth-watering last-16 tie with reigning champions Argentina awaiting them. However, you’ve got to beat the best to be the best, and the Selecao undoubtedly have the credentials to do just that.
Doing it for Diogo
Last July, the world was stunned by the sudden death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident in Spain.
Just weeks earlier, Jota had been part of the Nations League-winning side, and would have been determined to have a crack at the World Cup after missing the 2022 finals through injury.
The cruellest twist of fate has prevented him from doing that, but his team-mates will certainly carry his memory with them – in particular, his best friend Ruben Neves, who has since adopted his number 21 jersey.
If Portugal are to finally get their hands on football’s biggest prize, it would be so fitting for them to do it in Jota’s honour.
