Opinion: Portugal’s hopes for World Cup success pinned on one man – and not that one | OneFootball

Like the majority of tournaments this century, Portugal go into World Cup 2026 with their hopes largely pinned on one man.

Only it’s a different man.

Bruno Fernandes is a football genius.

That much became evident for anyone watching one wondrous display after another at Sporting Clube de Portugal. Having rarely missed a game at the José Alvalade stadium in the last 30 years, I can vouch that Bruno is hands-down the best Sporting player to grace the famous old Lisbon club’s pitch during that time. It was why I was convinced he would be a huge success in the best league in the world and I was happy to tell UK media outlets why.

That said, even I was surprised at how much he has stood out in a league so much wealthier than any other that its clubs can cherry pick the best players in the world.

Bruno has been consistently brilliant and brilliantly consistent, despite the ongoing instability of Manchester United.

And he is arguably enjoying his best ever season.

Portugal have an embarrassment of riches in midfield.

PSG pair Vitinha and João Neves are the heartbeat of a team that won everything there was to win last season. Bernardo Silva, like Bruno, is enjoying a fantastic individual campaign in Manchester. But for all of Vitinha’s ability to knit the team together, for all of Neves’ non-stop industry, for all of Bernardo’s football IQ, it is Bruno who is the difference maker.

Two more games for Bruno this international break. Two more man-of-the-match performances.

Two more superb assists against USA yesterday made it 24 in total in a Portugal shirt for Fernandes. Only Luís Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo have more.

His 28 goals for Portugal are only bettered by five players: Ronaldo, Pauleta, Eusébio, Figo and Nuno Gomes.

Ronaldo can no longer dominate games like in past. Bruno can.