Whenever it’s time for the next World Cup, Portugal’s track record at the tournament circles back. In the modern history of the sport the nation’s football team has almost always fielded solid squads, which led fans to wonder whether Portugal have won the World Cup in its history.
Being one of the most successful football nations in the world may not always be enough though, as Portugal’s World Cup history is often filled with heartbreak.
Have Portugal ever won the World Cup in football history?
No, Portugal has never won the World Cup. Portugal have played in the World Cup eight times so far, and they have never lifted the trophy. The 2026 World Cup will be Portugal’s ninth time participating in the event.
Portugal’s best World Cup performance came in 1966 when they finished third. It took the Seleção 40 years to return to the semi-finals, and they would fail to advance to the finals as Portugal would lose to France and then hosts Germany in the 3rd/4th place match.
Here’s Portugal’s World Cup history:
- 1966: Third Place
- 1986: Group stage elimination
- 2002: Group stage elimination
- 2006: Fourth place
- 2010: Round of 16
- 2014: Group stage elimination
- 2018: Round of 16
- 2022: Quarter-final elimination
How many World Cups have Portugal won?
Portugal have won zero World Cups. However, they are still one of the top competitors every time they participate in the tournament. The Portugal national football team has reached the knockout stages in five of their eight appearances in the World Cup, and their prospects for the upcoming 2026 campaign look promising.
Overall, Portugal’s football team often performs well in the World Cup’s group stages, but struggles to convert that momentum deep into the tournament.
Considering Portugal’s misfortune at the later stages of World Cups, this also means that Cristiano Ronaldo has never won a World Cup either.
Which trophies have Portugal won?
Portugal won the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League twice, in 2019 and 2025.
The achievements listed above and the individual performances of Portugal players in their clubs mean that the team generally walks into tournaments, like the World Cup, as one of the favourites. This is also often reflected in football betting apps, which tend to offer outright odds on tournament winners at the start of World Cups.
However, the tournament play is quite different from the regular season. Upsets can happen at any time, and Portugal have been on the receiving end of them, like in the quarter-finals against Morocco in 2016.
FAQs about Portugal
Have Portugal ever won a European Championship?
Yes, Portugal have won the European Championship once in 2016.
What is the Portugal football team’s nickname?
Portugal’s national team is called “A Seleção”, which means “The Selection”.
Has Ronaldo won the World Cup?
No, Ronaldo has never won a World Cup.
Has Ronaldo ever won a European Championship?
Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo won the European Championship with Portugal in 2016.
Who is Portugal’s top scorer?
Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal’s top scorer in all competitions combined. However, if we focus on World Cup performances, Eusébio has the most goals in a World Cup for Portugal with nine.
