Roberto Martínez on Portugal’s World Cup preparations, favouritism, Diogo Jota and Cristiano Ronaldo | OneFootball

Having had time to digest the FIFA 2026 World Cup draw, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has been talking to the Portuguese press six months ahead of the big kick-off in North America next summer.

In an interview with Canal 11, Martínez confirmed that the Seleção will play two friendlies in USA and Mexico in March, plus two more on home soil ahead of the tournament.

The Spaniard spoke about the importance of proper preparation, Portugal’s perceived favouritism in some quarters, Diogo Jota, the possible call-up of striker Paulinho and the role of captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Roberto Martínez on Portugal’s World Cup schedule:

“We were lucky. The first game is only on 17 June and that’s an important aspect for our preparation. All the players will have seasons packed with playing time and it’s important for them to rest.

“In the Club World Cup, we saw that humidity and altitude were issues. It’s important to train well and adapt to the climate to keep the players fresh so that they can play with energy.”

Roberto Martínez on pre-tournament friendlies:

“The schedule allows us to have two friendlies in front of our fans in Portugal [6 and 10 June].

“As for the March friendless [28 March v Mexico, in Mexico City; 31 March v USA, in Atlanta], playing against the United States will be similar to playing against Canada, in Vancouver, in a closed stadium.

“Playing in Mexico is a demanding challenge for European players because of the psychological aspect of the altitude. Mexico are a traditional World Cup team, but they have only made the knockouts when they’ve played on home soil.

“These matches are the best way to take advantage of the March training camp.”

“We are contenders, not favourites”

“I arrived in Portugal with the dream of winning the World Cup. Are we favourites? No. Only eight teams have won the World Cup. There is a very important psychological aspect. We have never won a World Cup, but we can be contenders.

“The game against France at Euro 2024 showed we are capable, we have the individual talent and resilience as a team. We deserved to beat France [Portugal lost in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw].

“We used this experience for the Nations League, which is not at the same level of a European Championship or a World Cup, but it is more difficult. You play 10 games in the format. Beating Germany in Germany shows our mental strength. We conceded first but I saw a team that believed in itself, that played toe to toe. We can win or lose.”

Roberto Martínez on Diogo Jota:

“It’s a tragedy that is difficult to explain. It’s a responsibility to try and fulfil his dream of winning the World Cup. Diogo Jota was a force of energy in the changing room, very versatile, with a contagious determination. His career was like that, believing strongly. We cannot replace Diogo Jota. But we can make Diogo Jota our strength.”

Roberto Martínez on Paulinho and alternative striker options:

“Paulinho is going through an amazing period at Toluca. We are monitoring André Silva, who has started very well at Elche, and Fábio Silva, who is also a multipurpose player. Paulinho is a box striker and is in great form. He has grown a lot and if the squad was announced today he would be one of the 26.”

Roberto Martínez on Ronaldo’s role:

“Cristiano Ronaldo does not play for Portugal because of what he had done in the past, but because of the importance he has right now.

“We all know what he’s done in his career. Now he’s a very different player who uses his experience intelligently, in his movements, in his finishing ability. He has scored 25 goals in his last 30 games for the Seleção.”