Predicted XI: How will Portugal line up at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Again, Portugal is said to be one of the top favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to the number of quality players under Roberto Martinez’s reach, including five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese side may have been touted as one of the world’s most talented national teams in recent decades. Still, they have yet to win the World Cup, despite having an array of world-class players, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leao, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
They came close to reaching the promised land in the 2022 World Cup, but they fell off hard following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco in the quarter-final. In the wake of that excruciating defeat, several thoughts were exchanged concerning Cristiano Ronaldo, with some claiming Portugal is better off without their aged talisman.
However, his scintillating performances with Al-Nassr keep making it difficult for Roberto Martinez to drop the legend, and his recent call-up for the UEFA Nations League games suggests the world-beater may have one last shot at the World Cup.
Portugal is stacked with superb talents, to the extent that even Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, may not start every game, which wouldn’t come as a surprise. We took a look at Martinez’s squad and predicted how Portugal will lineup at the 2026 FIFA World Cup based on their current form.
Predicted XI: How will Portugal line up at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Among other relevant factors, we predicted how Portugal will lineup at the 2026 FIFA World Cup based on their current performances at their respective clubs.
Diogo Costa - Goalkeeper
Portugal is not fond of producing world-class goalkeepers, so it was relatively easy for us to pick Diogo Costa as Martinez’s first-choice goalie. The Porto shot-stopper started in goal in all of Portugal’s five matches in the 2022 World Cup, and of course, he pulled off many mind-blowing saves through the group stage and knockout stage, but he just couldn’t help Cristiano Ronaldo and others get past Morocco in the QF. The 25-year-old helped Porto win the Primeira Liga in the 2021/22 season and was in goal as Porto finished 2nd in the 2022/23 and 3rd twice in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns. He’s ready for the biggest competition of his football career, the World Cup.
Diogo Dalot - Right-Back
The Manchester United fullback continues to improve both at the club and international level. His versatility to play as a left-back or right-back makes it difficult for any coach to drop him. He is fast, confident on the ball, and a good passer. The 26-year-old’s ability to advance with the ball makes him one to keep on the team. Dalot was part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad, and his consistency has earned him yet another chance to represent Portugal at the highest level.
Ruben Dias - Centre-Back
Portugal’s defense isn’t complete without the Manchester City rock, Ruben Dias. The former Benfica defender has made a name for himself, winning the Premier League, Champions League, and other major trophies both in England and Portugal. The 27-year-old’s ability to lead from the back, organise the defense line, and be unbeatable in aerial duels makes him undroppable. He was also part of Portugal’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, so we expect him to be in the mix at the next tournament.
Goncalo Inacio - Centre-Back
The Sporting CP defender is somewhat similar to Ruben Dias, and his top performances at Sporting CP have made him a transfer target for several Premier League teams, including Manchester United. He is quick and commanding at the back, so it isn’t a surprise to have such a monster alongside Dias in America.
Nuno Mendes - Left-back
The PSG fullback became a Champions League winner last month, having helped the Parisians win their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy following a historic 5-0 win over Inter Milan in Germany. He raised many eyebrows after he silenced world-beaters like Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka during the knockout stage, and it will be outrageous if we don’t see such quality at the left-back for Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Vitinha - Midfielder
The Portuguese midfielder may have struggled at Wolves during his time in the Premier League, but he is a Champions League winner. He played a huge role in PSG’s run to their first-ever UCL success, thanks to his ability to hold the ball under immense pressure and deliver defense-splitting passes at ease. Portugal’s midfield will have an edge over any side with this ball-controlling monster in it.
João Neves - Midfielder
Like Vitinha, João Neves played a massive role in helping PSG win their first-ever Champions League trophy. Neves is tireless; he dictates play, makes loads of interceptions, and recovers possession at ease for PSG. He wouldn’t hesitate to do the same for Portugal, although he was benched for Bernardo Silva in Portugal’s decisive game against Denmark in the UEFA Nations League. The former Benfica midfielder has improved since then, and a player with his qualities should start for any team in the world, including the Portuguese national team.
Bruno Fernandes - Midfielder
The 30-year-old prolific midfielder has been Manchester United’s best player since he moved to Old Trafford in 2021. His ability to run tirelessly, win tackles, create goalscoring chances, and dictate play from any area of the pitch effortlessly makes him one to hold on to tightly. Bruno Fernandes is a goal machine who can play as a false nine. Martinez, Portugal’s coach, is a huge fan of the Man United captain, and there’s no way he’s setting up his midfield trio without the Manchester United skipper in it.
Pedro Neto - Forward
The Chelsea forward is direct, as most of his attacks usually lead to goal-scoring chances created or goal attempts. Such a character is needed in every group, especially when they compete in a tournament as complex as the World Cup. It is healthy to know that attacks and decent goalscoring chances are expected from the flanks. Aside from being a threat in the final third, Neto is fast and doesn’t run away from his defensive duty. He may not start in every game, but his qualities are good enough to start in that right-winger ahead of the likes of João Felix and Francisco Conceição.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Forward
There is no doubt now that 40-year-old Ronaldo will lead the Portugal team in the FIFA World Cup 2026. This will be CR7's 6th World Cup in his career. Cristiano has won everything during his superb career, and the World Cup trophy the only title that left in the portuguese player's cabinet.
Rafael Leao - Forward
João Félix may be in the fray, but there’s no way he’s getting the nod ahead of the AC Milan forward, Rafael Leão. The 25-year-old is a goal threat, thanks to his creativity and pace, and his presence down the left wing is a nightmare for any team coming up against Portugal. Roberto Martinez is also a big fan of the Milan attacker and sees him as a key player in the group.
We overlooked Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the regular starters at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to his age, as he’ll be 41 next year. He may be killing it in the Saudi Arabia Pro League, but his best years are far behind him, and there’s no way a country as ambitious as Portugal will keep its fate on the shoulders of a 40+-year-old man.
