Portugal are heading to North America this summer with one of the most talented squads in world football. They qualified as Group F winners, topped off by a ruthless 9-1 demolition of Armenia in their final qualifier. They lifted the Nations League trophy in 2025. Roberto Martínez has lost just four of his 32 matches in charge. On paper, this team has everything. But the World Cup is not played on paper, and Portugal’s tournament history is littered with early exits despite having the quality to go further. With the expanded 48-team format kicking off in June across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the question is whether this generation can finally deliver on the biggest stage.
The squad – depth that most nations can only dream of
Start anywhere in this squad, and you find quality. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, will captain the side in what is almost certainly his final World Cup. Behind him, the options are stacked. Bernardo Silva is in arguably the best form of his career at Manchester City, recently called “one of the best ever” by Pep Guardiola after his goal in the win at Liverpool. Bruno Fernandes is driving Manchester United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick. João Neves, still only 21, has become a key figure at PSG and looks ready to announce himself on the world stage.
The attacking depth runs deep even without the late Diogo Jota, whose tragic passing in July 2025 shook Portuguese football to its core. Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto and Gonçalo Ramos all offer different dimensions in the final third. In midfield, Vitinha and João Palhinha provide the engine room options, though who anchors that midfield remains one of the biggest tactical debates heading into the summer. This is a squad where world-class players will not make the starting eleven. Very few nations at this tournament can say that.
Group K – comfortable on paper, but Colombia will provide a stern test
Portugal have been drawn into Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the winner of the inter-confederation playoff between DR Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia. Anything other than winning this group would be considered a failure. Colombia are the real threat. They are a well-organised, technically gifted side who will fancy their chances of making things difficult. Uzbekistan, featuring Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov in defence, should not be underestimated either. But realistically, Portugal has the squad depth to rotate across three group games and still top the section comfortably.
If they do finish first, the projected path puts Switzerland in the round of 32, with a potential quarter-final against Argentina. The thought of Ronaldo against Messi in what would be both legends’ final World Cup has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. Getting there, though, means maintaining consistency across a longer tournament format where depth and fitness matter more than ever.
Where Portugal can hurt you – and where they are vulnerable
The strengths are obvious. Attacking talent across every position. A midfield that can control games against anyone. Big-tournament experience from Ronaldo, Bernardo and Bruno. Martínez has built a team that dominates possession and creates chances in volume, as evidenced by the 9-1 qualifying win over Armenia.
The vulnerabilities are just as clear. The Ronaldo question hangs over everything. He scored 13 goals in qualifying, but his red card against Ireland showed a captain cracking under pressure. More telling was that Portugal looked more fluid and cohesive without him in that Armenia rout. At 41, his workload across a six-week tournament with potentially seven matches is a genuine concern. Then there is the quarter-final ceiling. Portugal exited at that stage in both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. Breaking through in knockout rounds against elite opposition has been the consistent stumbling block. The talent has never been the issue. Delivering when it matters most has.
Betting the World Cup – where Portugal sit in the market
Bookmakers currently have Portugal around the sixth favourites at roughly 11/1, sitting behind Spain, England, France, Brazil and Argentina. Given the squad depth and Martínez’s overall record, that price represents genuine value for a team capable of beating anyone on its day.
For fans looking to back Portugal across the tournament, a crypto sportsbook offers rewarding promotions that suit World Cup betting. Daily rebates run across every bet you place, so every group stage wager contributes to something. Accumulator protection through Close to Win Combo covers multi-match combos if you miss by one leg. And Early Payout settles your bet as a winner if Portugal goes two goals ahead in qualifying matches. With group stage fixtures, knockout rounds, and potentially seven games to bet on, having a platform that rewards every wager matters more at a World Cup than at any other time of year.
Play responsibly
The World Cup is meant to be enjoyed. Set limits before the tournament starts and stick to them. If gambling ever becomes more than entertainment, Gambling Therapy offers free, multilingual support.
Can Portugal win it? The talent says yes. The form book says maybe.
