Roberto Martinez has announced Portugal’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo set to lead the team at the age of 41.
The Portugal captain is preparing for his sixth World Cup finals, which is expected to be the final tournament of his legendary international career. Ronaldo remains the headline name in a squad packed with elite talent and major tournament experience.
Martinez has selected a powerful group that includes Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Rafael Leao and Ruben Dias. On paper, Portugal will travel to the tournament with one of the strongest squads in world football.
Ronaldo set for final World Cup chapter
Ronaldo’s inclusion comes as no surprise, but the significance is huge.
The forward has been Portugal’s defining figure for more than two decades and will now get one more chance to chase the World Cup trophy. At 41, he remains part of Martinez’s plans and is expected to play a key leadership role both on and off the pitch.
Portugal’s attacking options are deep, with Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes and Goncalo Ramos also included.
Big names miss out
There were also notable omissions from the squad.
Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Mora, Ricardo Horta and Pedro Goncalves have all been left out, underlining the difficult decisions Martinez had to make.
The Portugal boss also named four goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva and Ricardo Velho. Martinez explained that Ricardo Velho is considered the fourth-choice goalkeeper and will be used in training, even though he will not be part of the matchday bench.
Martinez also revealed that the “+1” on the list is a tribute to Diogo Jota, who died last year in an accident.
Portugal squad for the 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho.
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo.
Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva.
Forwards: Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal will enter the World Cup with huge expectations. With Ronaldo preparing for one last dance and a new generation of stars around him, Martinez’s side will believe they have the quality to go deep and challenge for the biggest prize in football.
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