Federação Portuguesa of Futebol presented this Tuesday the number that the players will use in Copa of Mundo in 2026. Aos 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo once again received the number 7 shirt. The striker continues to be a reference for the team seeking its first world title.
The list maintains the tradition of numbers associated with the main names in the cast. Bernardo Silva, from Manchester City, took number 10. Bruno Fernandes, from Manchester United, will wear number 8. João Félix, from Al Nassr, wears number 11. The federation released the 26 names called up and their respective numbers.
Ronaldo seeks record in sixth Copa of Mundo
Cristiano Ronaldo is going for his sixth participation in the tournament. Ele has been present since 2006 and has had editions in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. The captain currently works for Al Nassr, from Arábia Saudita, and leads the group in search of the new title.
The federation reinforced its support for the player. Ronaldo expressed his desire to end his international career with a trophy. Preparation includes friendlies against Chile and Nigéria before the competition begins in América against Norte, Central and Caribe.
Coach Roberto Martínez has accumulated experience in the squad. The mix of veterans and youth should be Portugal’s main asset.
Numeração maintains hierarchy in the cast
The choice of numbers follows the athletes’ technical and running criteria. Jogadores with greater tactical importance receive low shirts. Ruben Neves, of Al Hilal, took 21. João Cancelo, of Barcelona, received 20. Nuno Mendes, of Paris Saint-Germain, uses 25.
In midfield, Vitinha won 23 and João Neves 15. The defense has Ruben Dias in 3 and Diogo Dalot in 5. Gonçalo Ramos will wear 9. Rafael Leão took 17.
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 7
- Bernardo Silva – 10
- Bruno Fernandes – 8
- João Félix – 11
- Ruben Neves – 21
- Gonçalo Ramos – 9
- Rafael Leão – 17
The complete list balances names running on Europa and Arábia Saudita. The federation highlighted the extra motivation for the Mundial with 48 teams.
Elenco full of Portugal
The call-up brings together 26 players. The group has a strong presence in Premier League and Ligue 1. Isso should give the team tactical consistency.
Goleiros1 – Diogo Costa (Porto) 12 – José Sá (Wolverhampton) 22 – Rui Silva (Sporting)
Defensores2 – Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce) 5 – Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) 6 – Matheus Nunes (Manchester City) 20 – João Cancelo (Barcelona) 25 – Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain) 3 – Ruben Dias (Manchester City) 13 – Renato Veiga (Villarreal) 14 – Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting) 4 – Tomás Araújo (Benfica)
Meio-campers23 – Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain) 24 – Sam Costa (Mallorca) 21 – Ruben Neves (Al Hilal) 15 – João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain) 8 – Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) 10 – Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Atacantes11 – João Félix (Al Nassr) 16 – Francisco Trincão (Sporting) 26 – Francisco Conceição (Juventus) 18 – Pedro Neto (Chelsea) 17 – Rafael Leão (Milan) 19 – Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad) 9 – Gonçalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain) 7 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Grupo K and challenges in the group stage
Portugal fell into Grupo K alongside Congo Democrático, Uzbequistão and Colômbia. The first opponent brings physical strength. The other two present technical variations. The federation plans to use the June friendlies for final adjustments.
The defense led by Ruben Dias is seen as one of Europa’s strongest. The midfield has the passing quality of Bernardo Silva and Vitinha. The attack gains speed with young players like João Neves and Francisco Conceição.
Roberto Martínez has options on all positions. The main question involves Ronaldo’s pace at age 41. The captain, however, maintains a high level at the club.
Preparação tactic aims for quick integration
The 2026 Copa marks the first edition with 48 teams. The format increases the number of games and requires greater adaptation to climate and time zones. Portugal intends to use the group stage to gel the team.
Recent history shows transition after Euro 2024. The current generation accumulates experience in large tournaments. Analistas consider the squad to be competitive on the continent. The published numbering reinforces the group’s identity and continuity around Ronaldo.