Portugal World Cup squad names Cristiano Ronaldo for record sixth tournament with tribute to late Diogo Jota
Portugal World Cup squad includes Cristiano Ronaldo as coach Roberto Martínez names 27 players and a symbolic “plus one” tribute to the late Diogo Jota ahead of June.
Cristiano Ronaldo will make a record sixth World Cup appearance after being included in the Portugal World Cup squad announced by coach Roberto Martínez on Tuesday. Martínez described the final list as “27 names plus one,” honoring the memory of Diogo Jota, the forward who died in a car crash last July. The selection balances veteran leadership with younger talent as Portugal prepares for its opening match against Congo in Houston on June 17.
Ronaldo to make record sixth World Cup appearance
Portugal’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, headline the Portugal World Cup squad and is expected to lead the team on what is likely his final World Cup campaign. Ronaldo remains the nation’s all-time leader in caps and goals and is the only man to have scored at five different World Cups, a record that underlines his continued relevance to the squad. Martínez emphasized Ronaldo’s role both as an icon of world soccer and as a demanding, competitive presence within the group.
Martínez names “plus one” tribute to Diogo Jota
Roberto Martínez formally included a symbolic tribute to Diogo Jota, saying the list contains “27 names plus one” to keep Jota’s memory inside the squad. Martínez called Jota’s loss “an unforgettable moment” and framed the selection as a responsibility to pursue the ambitions Jota had for the national team. The coach pledged that the group will carry Jota’s spirit and example throughout the tournament.
Squad balance and notable inclusions
The Portugal World Cup squad blends established internationals with players who have pushed for spots in recent months. Alongside Ronaldo, Martínez selected João Félix, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes among the attacking and creative options. Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha and João Neves are present in midfield, while Gonçalo Ramos and Rafael Leão provide pace and finishing in forward roles.
Goalkeeper choice and backup plan
Martínez named three primary goalkeepers — Diogo Costa, José Sá and Rui Silva — and included Ricardo Velho as a fourth-choice option who will be available only if injury forces a replacement. The inclusion of a standby goalkeeper reflects tournament regulations that allow contingency measures for late injuries while keeping the active roster focused. Martínez said he had spoken personally to most of the players who were left out, underlining the difficulty of finalizing the list.
Group K opponents and June 17 opener in Houston
Portugal was drawn into Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan and Congo and will begin tournament play against Congo on June 17 in Houston. Martínez described Portugal as a “candidate” for the title but stopped short of labeling the team a favorite, arguing that only a nation that has already won the World Cup can be considered a true favorite. The coach noted that tournament success requires more than talent, pointing to the many variables that affect outcomes in a short competition.
Preparations, warm-up matches and travel itinerary
Preparations for the World Cup will begin on June 1, with warm-up fixtures scheduled against Chile on June 6 and Nigeria on June 10 before the squad departs for the United States on June 12. Martínez has arranged the schedule to build match fitness and cohesion while maintaining squad health ahead of the tournament. The team’s recent form includes winning the 2025 Nations League, a result Martínez cited as evidence of the group’s positive trajectory.
Portugal’s roster selection signals a dual focus on experience and continuity, with several players who featured in the Nations League success retained for the World Cup campaign. The coach emphasized leadership, discipline and the collective responsibility to compete for the nation’s first World Cup title while channeling the memory of a fallen teammate.
The Portugal World Cup squad faces expectations at a major tournament that will draw attention to Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance and the squad’s ability to translate talent into consistent results. The team departs for the United States with a blend of ambition and measured perspective as it prepares for the demands of the group stage and beyond.
