Ronaldo's last dance: Portugal's World Cup 2026 preview

The Ronaldo question

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo enters what is almost certainly his final World Cup. The tactical analysis from ge.globo (1) frames this as his moment – but with a twist. Roberto Martínez has built a system that does not rely on Ronaldo carrying the attack alone. Vitinha and João Neves provide the midfield control, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva the creativity. The backline of Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, and Diogo Costa in goal gives Portugal a spine that can go deep. The question is not whether Ronaldo can still deliver – it is whether the pieces around him can lift the burden enough to make it count.

Can Portugal go all the way?

France's RMC Sport (2) asks the same question every Portugal fan is asking: does this squad have the weapons to win it? Ninth World Cup appearance, a fully fit squad, and a manager with tournament experience. Paulo Bento has called Portugal part of the group of candidates – the talent is undeniable. But Bento also warns that things do not always go as desired. The group stage offers a manageable path, with matches against Spain and Mexico likely to define the knockout seeding.

Squad at full strength

Martínez has every player available. Matheus Nunes, after that brief fitness concern, has rejoined the closed camp in Oeiras. The five returning players – including the under-21 European champions – add depth to an already stacked group. Nuno Mendes and Diogo Dalot give width, João Cancelo and Nélson Semedo offer options on both flanks. This is the deepest Portugal squad in memory.

Bernardo Silva to Barcelona?

Off the pitch, one subplot to monitor: Martínez has publicly backed Bernardo Silva for a move to Barcelona following his Manchester City exit (1). A pre-tournament transfer saga is never ideal, but Silva is the type to compartmentalize. If anything, it adds a layer of motivation – he will want to showcase his value on the biggest stage.