Portugal World Cup 2026 preview: Players to watch, group matches and squad

Previous World Cup appearances: 8 Best performance: Third place (1966) First appearance: 1966 (England) Top goal scorer: Eusebio (9) Most appearances: Cristiano Ronaldo (22) Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo FIFA world ranking: 5

Portugal come into yet another tournament dominated by the question of Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the veteran and his side can finally win the one major trophy that has eluded them in his final World Cup .

Even in the 2022 edition, there were many questions over whether Portugal are worse with their record goalscorer in the lineup.

While those concerns have hardly abated in the intervening four years, Ronaldo was a prominent part of qualifying and seems nailed on to start under boss Roberto Martinez if he is fit.

With or without Ronaldo, this Portugal team – playing in their seventh consecutive World Cup – is richly talented, led by self-belief and genuine contenders to lift the trophy.

Portugal are still grieving the loss of forward Diogo Jota , who died in a car crash last summer. His absence will be sorely felt on and off the pitch.

Martinez said he considered Jota to be a “plus one forever” in a tribute to the player.

“To lose Diogo Jota was an unforgettable moment and a very difficult moment.