Portugal vs Chile Preview - 2026 World Cup Fever Heats Up at Estádio Nacional | OneFootball

2026 World Cup fever is heating up in Portugal with the first of two friendlies to be played on Saturday. The Seleção welcome Chile to Estádio Nacional do Jamor, the match to be played at 18:45 BST.

Roberto Martínez will be using the opportunity to test midfield combinations due to the absence of PSG’s Vitinha and João Neves.

Portugal didn’t concede a goal in the previous two friendlies against Mexico and the USA.

More clean sheets wouldn’t go astray as the manager continues to search for his best central defensive partnership.

Portugal Squad

Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha and Gonçalo Ramos endured a long season at Paris Saint-Germain who recently won the UEFA Champions League.

The quartet will join the squad after the match and be integrated for the clash against Nigeria in Leiria.

Ricardo Velho was called up as the fourth goalkeeper in the event that Diogo Costa, José Sá or Rui Silva pick up an injury.

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva, Ricardo VelhoDefenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Nélson Semedo, João Cancelo, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, Tomás AraújoMidfielders: Rúben Neves, Samuel Costa, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo SilvaForwards: João Félix, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo

Chile Form

Chile have fallen a long way odd the pace after winning back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016. They didn’t score a goal at the 2024 edition and were unable to qualify for a third straight World Cup.

They never looked likely in a calamitous campaign, finishing last in South America. They won only twice in 18 matches, scoring nine goals with 27 conceded.

Nicolás Córdova stepped up from the youth team to take over on a caretaker basis in July 2025. He is still there, attempting to reboot the project and move away from the generation that included Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sánchez and Eduardo Vargas.

Chile won three friendlies in late 2025, two over Peru and one against Russia. They returned to action in March, beating Cape Verde 4-2 in Auckland.

La Roja remained in Auckland where they suffered a 4-1 defeat against New Zealand. Darío Osorio was sent off in the 27th minute, Gonzalo Tapia coming off the bench to score a late consolation.

Head-to-Head Record

Portugal first met Chile at the 1928 Olympic Games, a 0-0 draw in Amsterdam. Two friendlies followed, Eusébio scoring the final goal in a 4-1 win in 1972 and Silvestre Varela opened the scoring in a 1-1 draw in 2011.

The last clash came in the 2017 Confederations Cup semi-finals. Neither team could break the deadlock in extra time before Ricardo Quaresma, João Moutinho and Nani couldn't convert penalties, Chile winning the shootout in Kazan.

Nélson Semedo Quotes

“The position I play is quite demanding, especially with the conditions we'll have in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Furthermore, we've also come from periods of great physical strain.

“We have the case of Nuno, who finished with the national team after we won the Nations League, then went straight to the Club World Cup, and then started the season with PSG. I think all of this led to the coach's decision.

“I feel good, quite good. I had some injuries during the year, but I prepared well. I had time to prepare myself to be here body and soul with the National Team.

“The competitiveness in the position only brings good things to the National Team. Having this competitiveness will only make us even better and will make all of us, in our position and in others, try to give our best.”

“I remember we've played with a back three and we've also played with a back four. We're prepared. We're professional players and we have to be able to play in whatever system the coach wants.

“In that respect, we're doing well. I feel good and however long I have to play, whether it's 10 minutes, one minute, 90 minutes or just training, I'll give my best because I also think it will make all my teammates improve and will make Portugal better.

“I think we have a very good, spectacular generation. We have a mix of young players with a lot of experience and other older players who also have a lot of quality and experience. We have a great group and obviously we have to be responsible.”