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The Portugal Report 033

Edition 033 – December 8, 2025

Portugal National Team – World Cup 2026 Qualifying Edition

Portugal finished at the top of their World Cup 2026 qualifying group with thirteen points over six games of action. The Quinas did not clinch the top spot until the final game of the group stage, after fumbling along before their decisive home win over Armenia. Ireland were surprising runner-ups and move to the playoff.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to add to his goal scoring heroics as he became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers, scoring his 41st goal of qualifying during the group stage. Ronaldo heads to the World Cup looking to become the first player to ever score in six World Cup competitions.

Vitinha continues to be Portugal’s midfield maestro and best player in competition

Roberto Martinez confident in Portugal heading into World Cup 2026

Portugal book their spot at World Cup 2026 next summer after topping Group F

When the qualifying stage ended, the most important player on this squad is now named Vitinha. He is the general in the Quinas’ midfield and showed why he finished in third spot in this seasons Ballon d’Or voting. While he plays along side some big names for both club and country Vitinha has shown that on many occasions he is the most important player on the pitch for both Portugal and PSG then those he tends to be in the shadow of. Vitinha has become a pivotal deep laying playmaker and his press resistance allows him to dictate the tempo of the midfield play.
Roberto Martinez has reacted to the draw for World Cup 2026, although the Portuguese coach has refused to consider Portugal one of the tournament favourites. He did say that the team’s aim is to go to North America and make history. Portugal are the defending 2025 Nations League Champions and hope to mimic that victory on the World Stage. Portugal have a deep squad and will use their talent to move forward during the five week competition.
Portugal have booked their place at World Cup 2026 and have learned their opponents for this summers tournament after Friday’s draw. Portugal are joined in their World Cup group with Colombia (June 27 in Miami), Uzbekistan (June 23 in Houston) and the winner of playoff 1 (Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia) in a game that will take place (June 17, in Houston) and be Portugal’s opening game of the competition.

World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Portuguese Goals

5 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo

3 goals

Joao Neves

Bruno Fernandes

2 goals

Joao Cancelo

Joao Felix

1 goal

Ruben Neves

Francisco Conceicao

Goncalo Ramos

Renato Veiga

Bernardo Silva

EURO 2024 RECAP

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Portuguese National Team Info Page

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