Some of the greatest talents in football history have come from Portugal, and currently, the country boasts a generously gifted squad. The current Portuguese national team is stacked with talent, and many believe there could be no greater chance to win the World Cup in the near future than the approaching competition in 2026. The current squad consists of the perfect blend of experience and potential, with club captain Ronaldo at the helm. Although his future with the national team beyond the World Cup is uncertain, he is still banging in the goals for club and country after recently signing a two-year contract with Al Nassr.
Boylesports, an Irish live casino site, has put together a potential starting XI for Portugal in the upcoming World Cup.
Diogo Costa - GK
Diogo Costa is a 26-year-old goalkeeper who currently plays for FC Porto in the Primeira Liga. Costa is a modern-day goalkeeper who excels in both shot-stopping and sweeping behind the defence. His ball distribution and ability to claim crosses are also among the best in the world, making him a certainty for the Portuguese national team.
João Cancelo - RB
In national team football, adaptability is key, and João Canelo can play in a variety of positions, making him a viable tool for Roberto Martínez. Currently playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Cancelo is 31 years of age. Although his defensive attributes are sometimes questioned, he is a formidable weapon in Portugal’s attacking play, as shown by his two brilliant performances in Portugal’s two World Cup qualifiers in September.
Rúben Dias - CB
Manchester City’s experienced centre-back has gone from strength to strength since joining the Blues in 2020, and is currently 28 years of age. Dias possesses excellent leadership qualities, which enable him to be a phenomenal player for both the Portuguese national team and Manchester City. When combining both his leadership skills and his complete player profile, Rúben Dias is one of the leading CBs in world football.
Gonçalo Inácio - CB
Inácio is a promising centre-back who plays for the reigning champions, Sporting CP. Despite being 24 years of age, Gonçalo Inácio possesses the maturity levels of a veteran at the heart of the defence. The left-footed centre-back has impressed in his five years at Sporting CP, winning the Portuguese title three times, with teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United being reportedly interested in the youthful CB.
Nuno Mendes - LB
Fresh off his best performing season, Nuno Mendes is a lock-in for the Portuguese national team in the coming World Cup. Nuno Mendes is a 23-year-old left back who plays for Paris Saint-Germain in France. The young star played crucial parts in the treble triumph of the Parisian side and Portugal’s Nations League triumph in June and is quite possibly the best left-back in the world.
João Neves - CM
The 20-year-old starlet was one of the most sought-after talents in the 2023-24 season, and made his big money move to Paris Saint-Germain for the 2024-25 season. Neves also played a vital role in the club’s triumphant season, putting his name out there as one of the best wonderkids in world football. João Neves possesses all the attributes needed to compose an elite midfielder, including his impressive decision-making for a player of his age.
Vitinha - CM
Vitinha is another PSG player who represents Portugal on the national level and has been one of the club’s leading players since his signing in 2022. Most recently, the 25-year-old midfielder came third in the Ballon d’Or rankings, proving his ability to compete against the best of the best. The Portuguese midfield appears set for the years to come, as this PSG pair continues to develop even further.
Bruno Fernandes - AM
Yet another experienced leader in this team, Bruno Fernandes, is one of the most creative players in world football. His creativity and leadership skills make him a must for Roberto Martínez in the coming World Cup. Bruno currently plays for Manchester United in the Premier League, and despite the team’s recent struggles, he has maintained a high level of performance.
Pedro Neto - RW
Despite being able to operate anywhere across the front line, we suspect Roberto Martínez will utilise Neto from the right wing. Pedro Neto currently plays for Chelsea in the Premier League and is yet another player still in the early stages of their career. Pedro Neto offers a unique level of acceleration and dribbling that makes him a formidable threat for opposing full-backs.
Giovany Quenda - LW
This selection may come as a surprise for some, considering Quenda is yet to make his international debut. However, Quenda is an 18-year-old left winger who has already impressed at the biggest of stages. With there not being a clear frontrunner for the left-wing position (Rafael Leão remains inconsistent), we believe it is a great opportunity for the Sporting CP winger to make his claim for the position.
Cristiano Ronaldo - ST
Even at the age of 40, Cristiano Ronaldo remains inevitable. Ronaldo has a legendary career and has cemented his status as one of the best; at 40 years of age, he remains a viable option for the national team. Ronaldo continues to score goals on the international stage, and is currently on a run of scoring in five consecutive matches for the Seleção, cementing his timeless status and ability to score goals regardless of his age. It will certainly be his final World Cup campaign, so he will be motivated to go all the way.
