Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Velho on Portugal’s list for the 2026 World Cup
Portugal announced this Tuesday the list of 27 players called up for the 2026 Copa Mundo. Cristiano Ronaldo is part of the group and will compete in the tournament for the sixth time in his career. The 41-year-old captain has been present since the 2006 edition, at Alemanha.
Futebol’s Federação Portuguesa confirmed the name relationship. Roberto Martínez, the team’s coach, chose to take four goalkeepers. Ricardo Velho appears as the fourth option in the sector. The Farense player, currently on loan at Turquia’s Gençlerbirliği, gets the first chance on a roster for Copa.
Ronaldo seeks another chapter in history
Cristiano Ronaldo is experiencing a moment of great regularity in Al Nassr, from Arábia Saudita. The striker accumulates impressive numbers this season and arrives at Mundial with high morale. His presence on the list was expected by the Portuguese fans.
Martínez maintained the base of players who play in Europa’s main leagues. The coach valued experience and versatility in midfield and attack. Portugal wants to fight for the title in the competition that will be played in Estados Unidos, México and Canadá.
The team fell to Grupo K. The opponents are Nigéria, Congo and Uzbequistão. The premiere date has not yet been set by Fifa. Antes of the tournament, the team will face Chile in a friendly on June 6th. Esse game serves as the last test before the journey to América from Norte.
Veja the call-up list from Portugal to Copa from Mundo:
Goleiros:
- Diogo Costa
- José SáADVERTISING
- Rui Silva
- Ricardo Velho
Defensores:
- Diogo Dalot
- Matheus Nunes
- Nélson Semedo
- João Cancelo
- Nuno Mendes
- Gonçalo Inácio
- Renato Veiga
- Rúben Dias
- Tomás Araújo
Meio-campers:
- Rúben Neves
- Samuel Costa
- João Neves
- Vitinha
- Bruno Fernandes
- Bernardo Silva
Atacantes:
- João Félix
- Trincão
- Francisco Conceição
- Pedro Neto
- Rafael Leão
- Gonçalo Guedes
- Gonçalo Ramos
- Cristiano Ronaldo
Quatro goalkeepers in relationship
- Diogo Costa, from Porto
- José Sá, from Wolverhampton
- Rui Silva, from Sporting
- Ricardo Velho, from Farense (loaned to Gençlerbirliği)
The inclusion of Ricardo Velho draws attention. The 27-year-old goalkeeper had a good season at Primeira Liga before the transfer. Ele serves as cover in case one of the three main players is injured during the preparation or in Mundial itself.
Defensores with experience options
The defense line has rotated names. Rúben Dias of Manchester City leads the industry alongside Gonçalo Inácio of Sporting. João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes and Diogo Dalot offer alternatives on the sides.
Matheus Nunes, Nélson Semedo, Renato Veiga and Tomás Araújo complete the options. Martínez has the pieces to mount a solid defense and at the same time be quick on counterattacks. The versatility of some players allows for tactical changes during games.
Meio-campo brings together talent and creation
Bruno Fernandes, from Manchester United, remains the centerpiece. Bernardo Silva, who left Manchester City, maintains title status. The duo João Neves and Vitinha, both from PSG, gain space on the list.
Rúben Neves and Samuel Costa close the sector. The group allows the coach to alternate between ball possession and quick transitions. The technical quality of these players should dictate Portugal’s pace in the group stage matches.
Ataque with speed and finishing
João Félix, Trincão, Francisco Conceição, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo form the offensive sector. The mix of young people in good form with the captain’s eye for goal is the Portuguese’s main asset.
Leão and Conceição explore the sides of the field. Ramos and Félix act more centralized. Ronaldo, even at 41 years old, remains a reference for submissions within the area.
Grupo K and path to the title
Portugal debuts against one of the African or Asian teams. Nigéria brings physical strength. Congo and Uzbequistão require tactical attention. The key seems accessible, but requires maximum concentration.
The Portuguese team has accumulated good recent results in international competitions. The declared objective is to advance to the knockout stages and fight for the final stages. The fans hope that Ronaldo’s experience will make a difference in decisive moments.
Preparação includes latest test
The friendly against Chile, scheduled for June 6th, gains importance. Martínez should use the match to adjust details and give minutes to players who need rhythm. The technical committee monitors the physical conditions of all those called up.
The definitive list respects the limit allowed by Fifa, with 27 names. The delegation travels in advance for acclimatization and specific training at the Copa location.
