Portugal coach declares Ronaldo captain of the national team at the World Cup
Portugal's national football team announced its squad for the 2026 World Cup without major surprises, led by legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who is preparing to play his sixth World Cup in an unprecedented historic achievement, under the supervision of Spanish coach Roberto Martinez.
Ronaldo missed Portugal's two friendlies against the Mexico national football team and the United States national football team in March due to an injury he suffered with Saudi club Al-Nassr, before returning to the stadiums and confirming his readiness to participate in the world championship.
The Portuguese star continues to write history, having previously played in six editions of the European Championship, while he confirmed in November 2025 that the 2026 World Cup will be the last of his international career.
Lionel Messi's rival Ronaldo could also equal the same figure if he plays for the Argentina national football team.
Semi-final squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Kosta (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton), Rui Silva (Sporting), Ricardo Philo (Günçlerberlige Ankara).
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Mateusz Nunes (Manchester United), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Gonzalo Inácio (Sporting), Renato Vega (Villarreal), Ruben Diaz (Manchester City), Thomas Araujo (Benfica).
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Saudi Al-Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves, Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).
Forwards: Joao Felix (Saudi Al-Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Gonzalo Guedesz (Real Sociedad), Gonzalo Ramos Cristiano Ronaldo (Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr).
Portugal national team matches
Portugal are playing the 2026 World Cup in Group K, playing their three group stage matches in the United States, amid great ambitions to repeat their strong presence in previous editions.
Portugal will begin their campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. GMT+3 at NRG Stadium in Houston, then return to the same stadium to face Uzbekistan on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at the same time, and conclude their group stage matches against Colombia on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 2:30 a.m. at Hard Rock Miami.
Before travelling to their camp in Palm Beach, Portugal will play two friendlies against the Chile national football team and the Nigeria national football team