World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Major withdrawal for Portugal | OneFootball

World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Major withdrawal for Portugal

Bad news for Portugal. A usually reliable player has been forced to pull out of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

It's Diogo Dalot. According to the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), the right-back is suffering from "muscle discomfort" and has been sent home by the Health and Performance Unit to recover. To address this unexpected absence, head coach Roberto Martínez has quickly called up Nuno Tavares, the 25-year-old left-back from Lazio Rome. Tavares will join the squad immediately in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, and step into a crucial role for Portugal.

The Portuguese are about to embark on a decisive run of matches in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The first clash takes place this Saturday against Armenia, followed by a trip to Budapest to take on Hungary three days later, on Tuesday, September 9. Every player will be vital in this campaign, and Tavares' rapid integration will be essential to keep the team's ambitions alive.