Portugal

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Hooligan Soccer

·11 June 2026

Portugal – World Cup preview

If you’re looking for a puff piece on Cristiano Ronaldo, look elsewhere. Portugal is much more than the 41 year-old, which we’ll explain below. Still, it’s quite remarkable that someone of his age is even still on the pitch. So here’s an obligatory photo from their friendly against Nigeria.

How they qualified

Other than a shock defeat to Ireland in Dublin, Portugal managed to finish top of their qualifying group. After the 2-0 defeat to the boys in green (during which Cristiano Ronaldo got sent off for elbowing Dara O’Shea), they hammered Armenia 9-1 at home.

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This victory was the second biggest win in their history, with João Neves and Bruno Fernandes both getting hat tricks. They actually struggled in the home match with Ireland as well, needing an injury time goal from Ruben Neves to win 1-0 and gain the vital three points.

Key players

It would be easy to select the captain and legend that is Ronaldo as a key player right now. He may have a staggering 227 caps and 143 goals for his country, but let’s have a look at someone else.

After a tricky loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Vitinha has evolved into one of the best midfielders in the world. Having just won back-to-back European Cups, the Champions League Final man of the match came third in last year’s Ballon d’Or. Coming through Porto’s youth system, the 26 year-old is a joy to watch, with his close ball control and playmaking abilities.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes would almost certainly wear the same armband for his country if it wasn’t for Ronaldo.

Another skilful playmaker, the 31 year-old just set record number of assists in Premier League for the 2025-26 season with 21. He impressed at the last World Cup but was quieter during Euro 2024. Creating chances is second nature for Fernandes, so expect to see some magic from the Red Devil this summer.

Potential breakout player: João Neves

Another PSG star who has just won the Champions league, Neves is actually the youngest player in the Portuguese squad.

The 21 year-old is expected to start in midfield, alongside his club teammate Vitinha. Known for his passing and tackling ability, the former Benfica man brings a nice balance to the Seleção das Quinas.

World Cup history

35 matches played in 1966, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
They reached the quarter-final stage at the last World Cup, losing to surprise package Morocco 1-0.
Their best finish was third in 1966 and fourth in 2006. In 1966 they lost their semi-final 2-1 to eventual winners England at Wembley Stadium, but beat the Soviet Union 2-1 in the third place play-off. In 2006 they lost their semi-final 1-0 against France and also lost the third place play-off 3-1 against Germany.

Coach profile: Roberto Martinez

Martinez is no stranger to English football fans. Notably managing Everton in a three year stint, the 52 year-old is about to manage a team at a World Cup for the third time.

The Spaniard led Belgium to a third place finish in 2018, but he couldn’t get them out the group stage four years later in Qatar and left his role. He guided Portugal to their second Nations League title last summer and will be hoping he can finally land them the biggest prize in football this year.

Country fun facts

Portugal’s population is actually quite low, estimated at around 10.7 million people. That puts them 35th of the 48 nations.
Rome might be the big show off when it comes to ancient capital cities, butLisbon is said to be roughly four centuries older than Rome. The Phoenicians settled there around 1200BC.
Lisbon also boasts the longest bridge in Europe. The Vasco da Gama Bridge stretches 10.5 miles (17 kilometers)
Around 50% of all the world’s cork supply comes from Portugal. One single massive tree in the Algarve, famously known as the “Whistler Tree,” produces enough cork for over 100,000 bottles per harvest. The Portuguese fans will be hoping to pop a few of these corks come July. None more so than 41 year-old Ronaldo. He may have aged like a fine wine, but he’s still missing the most fruitful cup of them all.