What are Portugal’s chances of winning elusive World Cup on CR7’s farewell? | OneFootball

It was the 5th of July, 2006. Allianz Arena, Munich.

Portugal concedes early in the World Cup semi-final as Zinedine Zidane converts from the penalty spot for France.

For the next hour, a star-studded Portugal side led by veteran Luís Figo and Ballon d’Or contender Deco threw everything forward. They won eight corners, attempted 11 shots, and forced six saves from Fabien Barthez in search of an equaliser.

Four of those efforts came from a 21-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo who was desperately searching for the goal that would keep Portugal’s dream alive. But it never arrived.

Portugal were forced into a third-place play-off against Germany, which was hardly any consolation for a team that had already suffered heartbreak in the final of Euro 2004 on home soil.

Fast forward 20 years, and it remains Portugal’s best World Cup campaign to date.

Though the the Seleção das Quinas have Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles under their belt, they’ve never quite found their rhythm at football’s greatest tournament.

In 2010 they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain, and while that defeat was understandable, the next three World Cups raised serious questions.

A semi-fit Ronaldo could not drag Portugal out of the group stage in 2014, and four years later, they fell to a Uruguay side well past its prime in the Round of 16.

In Qatar, Portugal finally broke through that barrier, only to be stunned by Morocco in the quarter-finals.

As the final whistle blew, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner walked down the tunnel in tears, and many assumed it was the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup dream. Turns out they were wrong.

Now, at 41 years old and with 143 international goals already to his name, CR7 will have one final shot at the trophy that has always eluded him.

This time, however, he may be backed by the strongest squad Portugal has ever produced. Let us look closer.

The experienced Ruben Dias appears to have left his injury concerns behind and will spearhead the defence alongside the rapidly improving Gonçalo Inácio, while Diogo Costa will hope to carry the momentum from a very strong season with Porto.

At left-back, Roberto Martinez will rely on arguably the world’s best in the position, Nuno Mendes, and on the opposite flank, João Cancelo will look to drive Portugal forward after rediscovering top form.

Once you move into midfield, you find Portugal’s strongest line, and quite possibly the best midfield at the entire tournament.

The PFA Player of the Year, a Ballon d’Or contender and one of the most versatile and energetic midfielders in world football. Believe it or not, these are three different players.

Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and João Neves have all enjoyed outstanding seasons, and few midfields at this tournament can match their blend of creativity and work rate.

Further forward, Martinez has a number of options to partner Ronaldo, but Bernardo Silva and Chelsea winger Pedro Neto appear tobe the most likely starters.

The 41-year-old himself is yet to score in a World Cup knockout match, but after once again defying age during Portugal’s Nations League triumph, there is little doubt he will lead the line for the Seleção das Quinas.

Portugal’s qualifying campaign has been far from flawless despite their nations league success in June 2025, with the defeat to Ireland and a draw against Hungary raising a few eyebrows.

Word of Roberto Martinez intending to step down from his role as manager after the World Cup, when his contract expires in June, may also have one or two adverse affects on how they perform, though this is still yet to be seen.

Nevertheless, a manageable group containing Colombia, Uzbekistan and DR Congo should provide Ronaldo and his teammates with the opportunity to build momentum before the knockout rounds begin.

Once Portugal reach that stage, they will finally be able to unleash the full depth of their squad, and they may never get a better opportunity than this.

There is also a deeper motivation driving this team. When Portugal walk onto the pitch this summer, they will do so carrying the memory of the late Diogo Jota.

Every tackle, every goal and every victory will carry a little piece of his legacy, and should Portugal finally lift the World Cup, Jota’s name will forever be linked with the triumph.

Midfielder Ruben Neves will carry that memory even more closely, with a tribute tattoo etched below his calf acting as a permanent reminder that some teammates never truly leave your side.

Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo in Houston on Wednesday June 17th, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 (BST).

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