Portugal announces squad for World Cup

Thomas Siniecki, Media365: published on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 3:02 PM

The Seleção have one of the easiest groups in the first round of the World Cup, facing DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.

There were no surprises in the squad announced by coach Roberto Martinez for the World Cup. Not even Junior Kroupi, who Martinez claimed “chose France,” or Afonso Moreira, the rising star from Olympique Lyonnais. The attacking lineup remains unchanged, led by Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the issue persists with only half the forwards able to play together. The four Parisian players, including Gonçalo Ramos, are included, with Ramos being revealed four years ago during the 2022 edition.

Among the 27 Portuguese players, goalkeeper Ricardo Velho will be a backup without a chance to play. Martinez made it clear that each player is crucial to the team’s dynamic. Ronaldo, on the other hand, expressed a different sentiment, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the World Cup. The Spanish coach promised pride in the team’s effort to make history by reaching the final.

The 27 Portuguese Players

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sa (Wolverhampton), Rui Silva (Sporting), Ricardo Velho (Gençlerbirligi)

Defenders: Tomas Araujo (Benfica), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahçe), Renato Veiga (Villarreal)

Midfielders: Samu Costa (Mallorca), Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd), Joao Neves (PSG), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Bernardo Silva (Man City), Vitinha (PSG)

Forwards: Francisco Conceiçao (Juventus), Joao Félix (Al-Nassr), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting).