FIFA 2026 World Cup updates: Full list of confirmed players from Portugal, predicted starting XI, injury status and more

Portugal heads into the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying genuine belief and growing momentum. Fresh off their UEFA Nations League triumph, Roberto Martinez’s side arrives in North America with one of the deepest squads in the tournament. Yet much of the attention remains fixed on Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41, the Portugal captain is preparing for what is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance. While the legendary forward continues his pursuit of the one major trophy missing from his career, Portugal's hopes rest on far more than one player. A balanced squad packed with experience, creativity, and emerging stars gives the Seleção a realistic shot at making history.Roberto Martinez has named a 26-man squad that blends experience with genuine attacking depth. Diogo Costa leads the goalkeeper options, with José Sá and Rui Silva in support.The defensive unit is anchored by Manchester City's Rúben Dias, with Nuno Mendes, Gonçalo Inácio, João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Renato Veiga, Nélson Semedo, and Tomás Araújo rounding out a back line that has real quality and cover.The midfield is arguably Portugal's strongest department. Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Neves, and Samuel Costa give Martinez options in terms of tempo, pressing, and creativity.Up front, Ronaldo leads the attack alongside Pedro Neto, Rafael Leão, Francisco Conceição, Francisco Trincão, Gonçalo Ramos, João Félix, and Gonçalo Guedes.Full Portugal squad:Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP)Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahce SK), João Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Tomás Araújo (SL Benfica)Midfielders: Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), Samuel Costa (Mallorca), João Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)Forwards: João Félix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)Ronaldo is the obvious answer, but the more interesting story is how the squad around him has matured. At 41, he remains Portugal's captain and focal point, but this is no longer a one-man show.Rafael Leão is expected to start on the left wing despite a difficult domestic season at AC Milan. His pace and directness in open space can hurt any defense, and World Cups often suit players who can break lines quickly.It’s all on Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha in the middle of the park. Fernandes plays higher up the pitch linking play between the lines while Vitinha gives control and press resistance from deeper. Together they give Portugal a midfield that can dominate and unlock games.In defense, the name that stands out is Nuno Mendes. This season, the PSG left-back has been one of the best full-backs in Europe under Luis Enrique, both defensively and in attack. He makes Portugal a real danger on the left flank.Martinez has had Diogo Costa as his first choice stopper for some time now and there is no reason to suspect that will be any different. José Sá will be the understudy.Nuno Mendes and Matheus Nunes are expected to start out wide in defense, with Rúben Dias and Gonçalo Inácio at center-back. It is a combination that offers defensive strength while giving both full-backs the chance to advance.Vitinha and João Neves will probably continue their PSG club partnership in midfield at international level. Bruno Fernandes will likely play in an attacking midfield role linking the midfield to the front three. Up front, Leão and Francisco Conceição are projected starters on the wings, with Ronaldo through the middle.Predicted Portugal starting XI (4-3-3): Costa; Nunes, Dias, Inácio, Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves; Leão, Fernandes, Conceição; Ronaldo.Portugal head into the tournament largely fit, which is a significant relief for Martinez after a nervy build-up phase.Ronaldo missed the March friendlies against the United States and Mexico due to a minor right hamstring injury sustained in late February. Martinez confirmed the precautionary approach was taken to ensure he arrives fully fit for what would be a record sixth World Cup appearance. He is not at risk of missing the tournament.Rúben Dias dealt with his own hamstring issue in mid-March that kept him sidelined from club football for several weeks. He has since recovered and made the final 26-man squad.Bernardo Silva's absence from the March friendlies was not injury-related. It was a technical decision based on club medical evaluations, and he is fully fit heading into the competition.Portugal's group stage fixtures are all set for the United States, with two matches in Houston and the final game in Miami.17 June, 13:00 CDT – Portugal vs Democratic Republic of Congo – Houston, Texas23 June, 13:00 CDT – Portugal vs Uzbekistan – Houston, Texas27 June, 19:30 EDT – Colombia vs Portugal – Miami Gardens, FloridaOn paper, Portugal will be favorites to advance from the group. However, Colombia could present a stern challenge in what may become the decisive fixture for top spot.