Portugal World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Roberto Martinez

27 players plus one — the tribute to Diogo Jota

Roberto Martinez described this squad as 27 players plus one. The plus one is Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in July 2025 aged 28. Before Portugal have even kicked a ball at this tournament, this squad carries something heavier than football. Jota was one of their most reliable forwards — a player who scored goals at the biggest clubs and on the biggest stages. His name will be with them throughout this tournament whether it is spoken out loud or not.

Ronaldo at 41 — his sixth World Cup and the debate that never ends

Cristiano Ronaldo is 41 years old and playing his football in Saudi Arabia. This is his sixth World Cup, which is a record in itself. He is in the squad ahead of younger alternatives. Martinez has made his decision. The debate about whether Ronaldo is still good enough to contribute at this level or whether his presence takes something away from younger players who deserve the minutes — that debate has been running for three years and it will run until the final whistle of Portugal's last game. There is no clean answer. There never is with Ronaldo.

Portugal's most talented generation — all in their prime at the same time

Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao — these are not players on the way up or the way down. They are all in or approaching the peak of their careers simultaneously. That is genuinely unusual for a national team. Add Ruben Dias at centre back, Diogo Costa in goal and Pedro Neto out wide, and Portugal have real quality in every position. The question has never been whether Portugal have the talent. It has always been whether they can put it together on the biggest stage.

Group K — comfortable on paper, dangerous in the knockouts

Portugal are in Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. On paper this is a group they should win with room to spare. The knockout rounds are where the story really begins. Portugal have historically underachieved at major tournaments relative to the talent available to them. Martinez has been building steadily since he took the job. This squad is the product of that build. The tournament starts properly when the Round of 32 arrives.

Who is in Portugal's World Cup 2026 squad?

Roberto Martinez named a 26-man Portugal squad for World Cup 2026. The squad features Bruno Fernandes as captain alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leao and the young PSG duo of Vitinha and Joao Neves. Portugal are in Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Ronaldo is 41 and playing in Saudi Arabia but he is in the squad. This is his sixth World Cup — a record. Martinez has backed him despite the ongoing debate about whether younger options should take his place.

Who is Portugal's captain at World Cup 2026?

Bruno Fernandes is Portugal's captain at World Cup 2026. The Manchester United midfielder leads the side at 31, having been given the armband ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

What group are Portugal in at World Cup 2026?

Portugal are in Group K alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. It is a favourable draw and Portugal are expected to advance to the Round of 32 comfortably.

Why is Diogo Jota not in Portugal's World Cup squad?

Diogo Jota passed away in a car crash in July 2025 aged 28. He is not in the squad because he is no longer alive. Roberto Martinez paid tribute by describing the squad as 27 players plus one. Jota was one of Portugal's most reliable forwards and his absence is felt throughout the entire setup.