Portugal will be looking to finally get their hands on the World Cup trophy this summer, with the nation only making it as far as the semi-finals on one occasion.
Seleção das Quinas made it to the quarter-final stage in 2022, being beaten by Morocco in a shock result.
However, optimism is building for the European side, with world-class players at their disposal, including Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal route to the World Cup
Portugal enjoyed a relatively stress-free route to the World Cup, winning Uefa Group F while scoring 20 goals along the way.
They finished ahead of Ireland, Hungary and Armenia in the group, losing just one match (2-0 vs Ireland) and avoiding the need for a playoff as a result. Their 20 goals were complimented by seven conceded, with a 9-1 win over Armenia capping off a great group phase for them.
Portugal World Cup 2026 fixtures
Portugal have been drawn into Group K at the 2026 World Cup. Their campaign begins against the winner of the IC Path 1 playoff, DR Congo, before they take on Uzbekistan in their second game. Their group stage will conclude with a huge match with Colombia in Miami.
READ MORE: Get the latest Portugal World Cup 2026 outright odds here
Portugal key players for World Cup 2026
Portugal top World Cup Golden Boot Contender: Cristiano Ronaldo
- Key stat: Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal’s record appearance holder, with 226 caps, and record goalscorer, with 143 goals.
There is little left to say about Cristiano Ronaldo that has not already been said. He is one of the greatest players in football history, having amassed an extraordinary collection of goals, records and trophies throughout his career. However, the World Cup remains the one major prize that has eluded him. Portugal’s primary goal threat, Ronaldo will expect to lead his country to glory and finally claim the trophy that has always been out of reach in what will surely be his final World Cup.
Portugal primary playmaker: Bruno Fernandes
- Key stat: Bruno Fernandes contributed three goals and one assist in Portugal’s qualifying campaign, with all of those goal contributions coming in the 9-1 win over Armenia.
Fernandes has led the way for Manchester United over the past few years, and he has also played a vital role for Portugal. He has recorded 28 goals and 24 assists in 85 international appearances, averaging a goal contribution every 1.6 games.
Mexico card magnets & top tacklers: Joao Cancelo
- Key stat: Joao Cancelo made three fouls in Portugal’s qualifying campaign, picking up one booking.
Cancelo committed more fouls than any other player in the Portugal squad in their qualifying campaign and has been somewhat of a card magnet over the years, with 23 bookings and one red card since the beginning of the 2022/23 season.
Portugal rising star: Joao Neves
There is a lack of real quality teenagers coming through the Portugal squad at the moment but one stand out player is Joao Neves, who has picked up 20 caps, scoring three goals, at the age of 21. The youngster has caught the eye for PSG over the past couple of years and this summer could prove to be a true breakout one for him in terms of moving into the world elite.
STAND-OUT STAT: Portugal are the only team since 1954 to have overturned a three goal deficit to win a World Cup game. They beat North Korea 5-3 in the 1966 quarter final despite going three goals down after 25 minutes.
Portugal set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Cristiano Ronaldo
- Free-kicks: Cristiano Ronaldo
- Corners: Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha
Portugal tactical analysis and formation
Team stats (average per game from World Cup qualifying)
- Shots: 25
- Shots on Target: 8.33
- Shots conceded: 8.16
- Corners: 6.66
Portugal usually set up with a 4-2-3-1 formation that can shift into a 4-3-3 if needed. This leaves Leao high up the pitch to support Ronaldo in attack, with Fernandes pulling the strings in a free role.
Their defence has been fairly settled with Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes among the first names on the teamsheet. The midfield duo of Joao Neves and Vitinha know each other well as teammates at PSG.
Get the latest Portugal World Cup goals, assists, shots, passes and tackle stats here
Portugal manager analysis
Roberto Martínez has managed Portugal since January 2023 after replacing Fernando Santos. He has enjoyed a strong record in charge, winning 25 of his first 30 matches and suffering only five defeats. However, Portugal’s quarter-final exit at UEFA Euro 2024 disappointed many supporters given the talent available to the squad. Martínez and his players responded well to that setback, though, by lifting the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League title.
Martinez has international pedigree, having managed the Belgium national team for six years prior to his appointment for his home nation. He oversaw the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ for Belgium but was unable to deliver them a trophy.
The stats below are from his current spell in charge of the team.
| Coach | Team | P | W | D | L | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roberto Martinez | Portugal | 36 | 25 | 6 | 5 | 69.44% |
Portugal World Cup FAQs
Have Portugal ever won the World Cup?
Portugal have never won the World Cup. They reached the semi-finals in 1966 and 2006, but lost on both occasions and failed to progress to the final.
Where did Portugal finish at the last World Cup?
Portugal exited the 2022 World Cup at the quarter-final stage after Morocco beat them 1-0 in a disappointing campaign for the Portuguese national team.
Who will be Portugal captain at the World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo is the current Portugal captain, having won his first cap as captain in 2007. He’s gone on to win 164 caps as captain of his national team.
Who is Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer at World Cups?
Eusebio currently holds the record for goals for Portugal at the World Cup, scoring nine goals at the 1966 tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo is just one goal behind him, having scored eight goals across five tournaments.
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