Ronaldo in as Portugal name 26-man World Cup squad

Portugal squad

All you need to know about Portugal's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Portugal will be one of the teams to watch at the 2026 World Cup and have every chance of going all the way in the competition. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, they won their second Nations League title in 2025 and are currently one of the strongest teams in Europe.

They are yet to win the coveted World Cup title, and this will surely be the last chance for the legendary Ronaldo to achieve that dream for his nation.

Alongside the veteran forward, Portugal have a well-balanced squad with quality players across every department, with many representatives from the Premier League. That includes FWA Footballer of the Year Bruno Fernandes, who has had a hugely impressive 2025-26 campaign to help steer Manchester United back into the Champions League.

So what does Portugal's squad look like heading into the World Cup? GOAL takes a look at the 26 players that have been selected.

Cristiano Ronaldo Diogo Costa Portugal 2025

Goalkeepers

Portugal are well covered in the goalkeeping department, with Porto's Diogo Costa leading the charge as the front-runner to start in goal. Costa was integral to Portugal's 2025 success in the Nations League, making several crucial saves throughout the tournament. His composure, shot-stopping ability, and confidence with the ball at his feet make him a reliable presence between the posts.

Meanwhile, Jose Sa remains an excellent back-up option. The Wolves goalkeeper has suffered relegation from the Premier League this season but has bags of experience and is well-equipped to assist Roberto Martinez's men on the international stage, should he be called upon to play.

Nuno Mendes Ruben Dias Portugal Nations League 2025

Defenders

Defensively, Portugal have a sound and well-balanced setup. The centre-back duo of Ruben Dias and Goncalo Inacio has performed consistently well for Robert Martinez's side, while in the wider areas they are blessed with arguably the best left-back in world football in PSG's Nuno Mendes.

On the right, meanwhile, Diogo Dalot, Nelson Semedo and Joao Cancelo will compete for a starting berth, with all having played regular first-team football in 2025-26. Manchester City's Matheus Nunes is another who can play in that position, having performed well in the role since being moved there by Pep Guardiola during the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

BRUNO FERNANDES-portugal-20241012

Midfielders

In the midfield area, Joao Neves and Vitinha have been at the top of their game playing for PSG in Ligue 1 and, similar to Nuno Mendes, have played instrumental roles in the club's incredible success in the Champions League over the last two years.

Meanwhile, Premier League stars Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes have been consistent performers for their respective Manchester sides and both will be pushing to start at the World Cup.

Joao Palhinha and Matheus Fernandes, meanwhile, both miss out on a place in the squad, with Tottenham and West Ham having had frustrating domestic campaigns that have seen them battling against relegation from the Premier League.

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 2024

Attackers

In attack, Portugal will be highly motivated by the presence of Ronaldo, with the Portuguese superstar still being relied upon at the age of 41.

Although he is no longer in his prime, Ronaldo outscored everyone to finish as the top scorer of the Nations League, helping Portugal lift the title. Having already won the Euros in 2016, the World Cup remains the only major trophy that has eluded the iconic No.7, and he will be determined to get his hands on the big prize, especially after enjoying another prolific season in Saudi Arabia.

Serie A forwards Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao have both been selected, while Francisco Trincao has been performing exceptionally well for Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga and is another option in the wide areas.

Portugal v Hungary - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Portugal's star players

Cristiano Ronaldo will undoubtedly continue to be Portugal's main man going into the tournament, carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders. Meanwhile, AC Milan's Rafael Leao is expected to feature in the starting XI, despite a difficult campaign domestically with AC Milan.

In midfield, all attention will be on Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, who will be key in dictating the tempo of the game and creating chances from the middle of the park.

Moving to the backline, Nuno Mendes will be a crucial figure for Portugal, both offensively and defensively. Mendes has been in the form of his life under Luis Enrique at PSG and will have a significant role to play at the World Cup.

Portugal v France: Quarter-Final - UEFA EURO 2024

Predicted Portugal Starting XI for World Cup 2026

As mentioned previously, Diogo Costa is expected to be the first-choice keeper for Portugal at the World Cup. The Porto goalkeeper has been a regular in the starting XI and is likely to continue in that role at the showpiece event, with Jose Sa serving as his backup.

In defence, the back four of Nuno Mendes, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, and Matheus Nunes offer a well-balanced setup. This combination provides Portugal with both defensive stability and attacking freedom from the wider areas.

In the middle of the park, Vitinha and Joao Neves are likely to continue their club partnership on the international stage, with Bruno Fernandes expected to play higher up the pitch.

Up front, Portugal are expected to start the pacy Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao on the wings, with Ronaldo leading the line as the primary threat in front of goal.

Predicted Portugal starting XI (4-3-3): Costa; Nunes, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves; Leao, Fernandes, Conceicao; Ronaldo.