PORTUGAL

Portugal is the 2016 European champion and a two-time Nations League winner (2019, 2025). At the 2026 World Cup, Portugal plays in Group K against Colombia, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan. Head coach Roberto Martínez has been in charge since January 2023 — a Spaniard, the third foreign manager in Portugal's history. The captain is Cristiano Ronaldo at 41, one of the oldest captains in tournament history. The squad is built around Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, and a new generation — Vitinha, João Neves.

Ronaldo is the central narrative. He's played for the national team since 2003 — the all-time record holder in caps (200+) and goals (130+) among men's national teams. Until 2016, Portugal had never won a major trophy: four Euro semifinals, a fourth place at the 2006 World Cup. The breakthrough came at Euro 2016 in France — in the final against the hosts, Ronaldo was injured in the 25th minute and left the pitch in tears. Éder scored the winner in extra time (1:0). Three years later, Portugal won the first-ever Nations League; in 2025, they repeated it, beating Spain on penalties.

Qualifying ended in first place. Martínez delivered the 2025 Nations League — the team's first trophy in nine years. In Group K only one real threat: Colombia (2014 World Cup quarterfinalist). Matches are in Houston (the first two) and Miami. Beyond the group, a possible quarterfinal against France would be a historic derby.

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