With Cristiano Ronaldo but without Rafael Leão, Portugal’s national team is called up for the September FIFA Date
Portugal will begin its journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup in September, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the squad but without Rafael Leão due to injury. Coach Roberto Martínez has announced a 23-man roster for the first qualifying matches, which will be played away against Armenia (Sept 6) and Hungary (Sept 9).
Ronaldo Leads, Leão Absent
The squad features Portugal’s biggest stars, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains central to Martínez’s plans. However, the absence of AC Milan winger Rafael Leão is a major setback, as the forward is sidelined with injury.
This call-up also marks the first squad without Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident in July.
Portugal’s Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting), José Sá (Wolverhampton)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Man United), João Cancelo (Al Hilal), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), Rúben Dias (Man City), António Silva (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Villarreal)
Midfielders: João Palhinha (Tottenham), Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), João Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Man United), Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting), Bernardo Silva (Man City)
Forwards: João Félix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Roberto Martínez: “We Will Play for Jota”
In his announcement, Martínez paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota:
“We know what Diogo meant to each of us and the impact he had on our lives. We want to honor his memory every day. He will be with us and another force to help us achieve our goals.”
Portugal Among Favorites for 2026
Fresh off a Nations League title, Portugal enters qualifying as one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. In the streamlined format, Portugal will play only six matches in Group F, facing Armenia, Hungary, and Ireland.
With Ronaldo still leading the charge and a generation of midfield and attacking talent, Martínez’s men are under pressure to confirm early qualification.
