Roberto Martinez names Portugal squad for Ireland and Hungary World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

Nélson Semedo, Matheus Nunes and Rafael Leão are back in the mix as Portugal coach Roberto Martínez announced a 25-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

With the exception of the injured João Cancelo, the same players have received call-ups as for the September internationals against Armenia and Hungary, plus the three additions mentioned above.

While you can argue that continuity is important in the lead-up to the World Cup, players who have started the season strongly such as Bayern Munich’s Raphael Guerreiro, Braga’s Leonardo Lelo and Porto’s Alberto Costa may feel unlucky to miss out.

The Seleção will be keen to build on their strong start to qualifying, having won their opening two matches. Two more victories in Lisbon next week are likely to ensure early qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be played in USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

Therefore, other players may well be given an opportunity in the final two qualifiers in November, with Portugal’s place in the tournament rubber-stamped.

It is another reason Martínez will be hoping for no slipups in the double-header. Portugal host Ireland on Saturday 11 October, then take on Hungary three days later, both matches to be played at Sporting CP’s Estádio José Alvalade.

Portugal squad for Ireland and Hungary World Cup qualifiers:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP)

Defenders: Diogo Dalot ( Manchester United), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahçe), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP), António Silva (SL Benfica), Renato Veiga (Villarreal)

Midfielders: João Palhinha (Tottenham Hotspur), Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), João Neves (PSG), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting CP), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)