Roberto Martínez confirmed his 26-man squad heading to Mexico, the US and Canada this summer with one noticeable inclusion.
Following the devastating death of Diogo Jota and his brother André last summer, Portugal’s squad honoured the former Liverpool forward with a “27+1” tribute. Jota earned 49 caps for his country, scoring 14 goals during his international career.
Goalkeepers
Portugal will likely open their World Cup account with FC Porto star Diogo Costa between the sticks, but he will be accompanied by Wolverhampton Wanderers’ José Sa and Rui Silva from Sporting Lisbon.
Martínez opted for a fourth ‘keeper by selecting Ricardo Velho, but it is unclear exactly what role the 27-year-old will play this summer.
Defense
In defense, Portugal will be taking a host of big names. The list includes Manchester City double Matheus Nunés and Rúben Dias, along with Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes.
Noticeably missing from the squad is Bayern Munich’s Raphaël Guerreiro, who has represented Portugal at both of the last two World Cups, but will have to watch from home this summer.
Midfielders
Portugal’s selected midfield also provides a star-studded quality as Bruno Fernandes, Bernando Silva and João Neves all make the list.
The caveat of any strong team is that there are some big names who failed to do enough to convince the manager. Those include the experienced João Paulinha, who was one of the better performers in a struggling Tottenham Hotspur side.
Martínez also opted for experience over potential, with 21-year-old Mateus Fernandes and 19-year-old Porto star Rodrigo Mora both left without a call-up.
Attack
The main headline in the attack is that Cristiano Ronaldo has been called up for his sixth World Cup with Portugal. Outside of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Roberto Martínez also named PSG forward Gonçalo Ramos (15 years younger than Ronaldo) as his other option down the middle.
Down the flanks, Portugal boasts exceptional quality with the likes of Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto and Juventus’ Francisco Conceição all take set to head to North America.
Portugal’s attacking selection also paid homage to the late Diogo Jota, a tribute to a player who was destined for a first World Cup appearance this summer.
Portugal’s World Cup fixtures
Portugal open their World Cup group stage on July 17th, when they face the debutants Democratic Republic of Congo down in Houston, TX. They stay at the same stadium to meet yet another World Cup first-timer Uzbekistan on June 23rd. They close out their Group Stage in Miami in a mouth-watering clash with potential dark horses, Colombia.
Portugal Full Roster
- Goalkeepers
- Diogo Costa (FC Porto)
- José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
- Rui Silva (Sporting CP)
- Ricardo Velho (Gençlerbirliği)
- Defenders
- Tomás Araújo (Benfica)
- João Cancelo (Barcelona)
- Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
- Rúben Dias (Manchester City)
- Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP)
- Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Matheus Nunes (Manchester City)
- Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahçe)
- Renato Veiga (Villarreal)
- Midfielders
- Samú (Mallorca)
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
- João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Rúben Neves (Al Hilal)
- Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
- Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Attackers
- Francisco Conceição (Juventus)
- Joao Félix (Al Nassr FC)
- Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad)
- Rafael Leão (Milan)
- Pedro Neto (Chelsea)
- Gonçalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr FC)
- Trincão (Sporting CP)
