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For a country with just over 10 million people, Portugal have been a constant presence amongst the elite of international football, and that is no different heading into this summer’s World Cup.
Portuguese football has become almost synonymous with Cristiano Ronaldo since the Euros in 2004, with the legendary attacker set to compete in his 12th international tournament and sixth World Cup.
Head coach Roberto Martinez must manage his aging star’s ego when it conflicts with what is best for the team as a whole. He has shown he can make it work with success in the Nations League in 2025, but the last World Cup was an example of Portugal forcing the ball to Ronaldo as they were shocked by Morocco at the quarter final stage.
Now even older and further from the peak of his powers at 41, this is likely Ronaldo’s last chance of glory at the World Cup. Can Portugal find a way to make it work in North America?
Portugal World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Tomas Araujo
Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos
Portugal World Cup fixtures
(all times BST)
Portugal World Cup prediction
Portugal have been afforded a kind draw with Group K. First-timers Uzbekistan and DR Congo will be awkward customers but ultimately, if Portugal harbour ambitions of going far into the tournament, they should be dealt with swiftly and comfortably. Colombia have talent themselves, but not on the same scale as Portugal.
The path through to the quarter-finals looks fairly clear if Portugal win their group. They would face a third-placed team, before likely taking on the winner of Group B - an even group with no big names. However, if the tournament progresses based on favourites advancing, they would meet reigning champions Argentina in the quarter-finals. Of course, to be the best, you have to beat the best - get past Argentina, and Portugal could go all the way.
Key player
Although Cristiano Ronaldo is the star name - and arguably the biggest factor in Portugal’s success, both positively and negatively - Roberto Martinez’s side needs to rely on consistency. Bernardo Silva has been a consistent winner with Manchester City, becoming a trusted lieutenant of Pep Guardiola.
Creative enough to open up chances for both himself and his teammates, Silva is also physically capable enough to keep up with the demands of tournament football. Having evolved from a winger to a box-to-box midfielder since making his debut at international level, Silva has moved from the periphery to becoming a leader in this Portugal team.
Latest Portugal World Cup odds
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