Portugal odds to win World Cup 2022: Squad, tactics, path to the final, ranking & form

Cristiano Ronaldo is running out of time to lift the World Cup, so he will have his sights set on helping guide Portugal to Qatar’s showpiece.

A European Championship winner and men’s international football’s record goalscorer, Ronaldo has achieved everything in the game, except for one feat. The age-defying perfectionist is yet to lift the elusive World Cup Trophy aloft. So he, alongside Fernando Santos’ Selecao, will be eyeing up a first World Cup triumph for the nation this month.

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The latest Portugal odds to win the World Cup

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3:00 pm Wednesday December 14

Portugal to reach the semi-finalsWorld Cup 2022

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Odds correct at time of writing

Portugal may not be fancied to win the World Cup but they are heavy favourites to make it to the semi-finals, given their quarter-final matchup.

Portugal route to the World Cup 2022 Final in Qatar

Group stage results

Who could Portugal meet in the knockout rounds?

As Group H winners, Portugal took on Switzerland in the last 16, and a Ronaldo-less (at least from the start) nation battered Murat Yakin’s men 6-1 with an exhibition of swashbuckling brilliance. They now face surprise quarter-finalists Morocco, but after that it’s either England or France, before a final opens the door to either Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands or Croatia.

Confirmed Portugal World Cup 2022 squad

Portugal players to watch at this year’s World Cup 2022

Portugal top World Cup Golden Boot contender –  Cristiano Ronaldo

Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the talismanic attacking force of Portugal, despite Goncalo Ramos’ recent hat-trick. He is the all-time leading goalscoring in men’s international football. In his storied international career for Portugal, Ronaldo has scored eight World Cup goals, including his penalty against Ghana, in which he became the first ever player to score in five separate World Cups. In 2018, he enjoyed his most prolific tournament (four goals), famously bagging a hat-trick against Spain. His first World Cup goal came in 2006 against Iran, underpinning his longevity in the game, and the experience he has at football’s famed tournament.

Portugal player to watch – Rafael Leao

Keep an eye out for Rafael Leao in the quarter-finals and potentially onwards. He is Milan’s silky attacking threat, who got Portugal’s third against Ghana. The 23-year-old was inspirational as the Rossoneri ended their long wait for Serie A title glory, attempting (163) and completing (93) more take-ons than any other player in the Italian top flight last season. He also scored 11 goals, registered eight assists, and was reportedly the subject of interest from Chelsea over the summer. He is electric.

Portugal emerging player to look out for – Vitinha

Once on the books at Wolves, Vitinha has emerged from the shadow of Nuno Espirito Santo’s bench to establish himself as one of the most exciting midfielders across the continent. PSG have often struggled to find synergy in the middle of the park to balance their naturally top-heavy XI. But, Vitinha’s presence alongside Marco Verratti has given Christophe Galtier a balance and cohesion in the middle of the park. Vitinha is slick, intelligent and progressive, though he has struggled to break into Portugal’s XI at this World Cup.

Portugal tactical analysis & formation at the World Cup

Despite his Euro 2016-winning exploits, Santos has not been impervious to criticism, with the Portuguese coach often being accused of lacking invention and experimentation. Still, he is a manager in perfect harmony with his tactical convictions. The evergreen coach often favours a 4-3-3, with Ronaldo or Ramos leading the line, and one of Ruben Neves, Joao Palhinha or William Carvalho anchoring the midfield just front of defence. It was the latter against Switzerland

With midfield protection, Santos has the option to deploy Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva just in front, or even Otavio. Defensively, Ruben Dias and Danilo Pereira was the centre-back pairing against Ghana, flanked by Joao Cancelo and Raphael Guerreiro, but Pepe has recently been restored. On the attacking wings, take your pick. Joao Felix and Rafael Leao make an exciting combo, but it was recently Fernandes thrust out wide against Switzerland. Santos certainly has plenty of options to tinker and tweak around with his system and personnel.

Portugal FAQs

Where are Portugal in the Fifa World Rankings?

Portugal are currently ranked ninth in the Fifa World Rankings, behind only Brazil, Belgium, Argentina, France, England, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.

Who is the Portugal manager?

As you’ve probably seen mentioned a few times in this article, Fernando Santos is the man pulling the levers behind the curtain. The Lisbon-born coach succeeded Paulo Bento in 2014 and has gone on to win both Euro 2016 and the inaugural Nations League. There is now just one trophy missing from his cabinet.

Who is the current Portugal captain?

At 37, Cristiano Ronaldo is the elder statesman in Portugal’s squad and he currently dons the captain’s armband.

How many times have Portugal won the World Cup? 

Although an emerging powerhouse in the 21st century — previously competing in just two World Cups prior to the turn of the millennium — Portugal have never won the competition. Incidentally, the closest they came was in 1966. Inspired by the goal-getting heroics of Eusebio, Portugal finished third in ’66, beating Soviet Union in the third place play-off.

How many times have Portugal competed in the World Cup?

Portugal have now competed in eight World Cups, and the previous five in a row. Prior to 2002, Portugal had not competed in a World Cup since the 1980s. In total they’ve missed out on 14 World Cups during the competition’s history.

Who has scored Portugal’s most goals in World Cup tournaments?

Although Ronaldo has competed in more World Cups, the legendary Man Utd forward has not managed to surpass Eusebio’s record of nine goals, all of which came in 1966. It was an incredible tournament for the free-scoring Benfica marksman, who etched him name into World Cup folklore during that Golden Boot run in England. Two more goals for Ronaldo would see him overtake Eusebio, however.

Which player from Portugal has the most World Cup appearances?

Normal order has resumed. Ronaldo takes this gong with 21 World Cup appearances, spanning five tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and now 2022). He has recently joined an exclusive club containing Gianluigi Buffon, Rafael Marquez, Lothar Matthaus and Antonio Carbajal to appear in five World Cups.