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Portugal is somewhat flying under the radar despite the continued presence of its all-time leading scorer, as the Iberians chase a first-ever World Cup title this summer.
The nation has arrived at previous World Cups with high hopes, only to fall short of expectations. Just once has Portugal advanced to the semifinals since Eusébio led the side to a third-place finish with Os Magricos in 1966, and many believe a golden chance was squandered in Qatar three-and-a-half years ago.
Roberto Martínez believes his squad has grown since that letdown, stating they are now better prepared to handle pressure against top-tier opponents. More heartbreak followed at Euro 2024, falling to France on penalties in the quarterfinals, though Portugal did triumph from the spot against their Iberian rivals to claim the UEFA Nations League title for a second time last summer.
This is a loaded squad capable of going all the way, yet history suggests something will get in their path. Could the 'Ronaldo question' be the stumbling block this time?
Here are four Portugal storylines to watch at the 2026 World Cup.
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Cristiano Ronaldo's Final Shot
Cristiano Ronaldo trudged off the pitch at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha convinced it was all over. His lifelong dream of lifting the World Cup had been shattered after Portugal fell to a 1–0 defeat in the 2022 quarterfinals.
Fernando Santos had turned to Gonçalo Ramos from the start of the knockout rounds, given Ronaldo's underwhelming displays in Qatar. Ramos netted a hat-trick in the demolition of Switzerland, yet their veteran striker was called upon 50 minutes into the match against Morocco. There was no comeback.
Seemingly spurred on by his great rival's triumph that winter, Ronaldo has pushed through another World Cup cycle, and he arrives at this tournament as a champion once again. Al Nassr secured Saudi Pro League honors in 2025–26, with Ronaldo thriving amid the lesser competition in the Gulf.
While there is plenty of evidence indicating Portugal performs better without its greatest scorer, Martínez continues to build his system around the aging center forward. "The numbers don't lie," he frequently offers in response.
Ronaldo had netted 25 goals in his previous 30 Portugal appearances heading into February, yet only four of those came against sides ranked in FIFA's top 30. He also failed to score in five appearances at Euro 2024.
He will remain a topic of conversation long after his playing days are done, and Ronaldo is no longer Portugal's central figure. There is a feeling that the Iberians will flourish in spite of the 41-year-old, rather than because of him.
A Coach Under Pressure
Roberto Martínez's future remains shrouded in uncertainty, and there is undeniable pressure on the Spaniard to produce results this summer. Some have argued this is the strongest Portuguese squad ever assembled for a World Cup.
Martínez is heading into his third World Cup, having previously managed Belgium in 2018 and 2022. He landed the Portugal role in 2023 despite those shortcomings, and his tenure has been inconsistent at best.
Concrete success came through the Nations League, which likely spared his position after Portugal disappointed at Euro 2024. Qualifying was relatively straightforward, though they did struggle against the physical sides of the Republic of Ireland and Hungary. It required a heavy win over Armenia on the final matchday to secure top spot in the group.
His contract expires at the end of the tournament, and there is a sense that Portugal may part ways regardless of the outcome. Fail as his aging Belgium side did in Qatar and Martínez will almost certainly walk. Yet there exists an alternate scenario in which the Spaniard guides the small Iberian nation to its first World Cup crown before riding off into the sunset.
Rúben Dias's Partner
Much of Martínez's preferred starting lineup picks itself, with a solid core backed up by impressive depth across key areas.
That said, questions remain in Portugal's backline. Martínez must identify the right fullback combination and determine who will line up alongside Rúben Dias at center back.
He has narrowed his choices to two: Gonçalo Inácio and Renato Veiga. The latter may be familiar from a short spell at Chelsea. Veiga now plays for Villarreal in La Liga, and Martínez has previously praised the left-footed defender's "great personality."
The expanded tournament format means Veiga will have a part to play in North America, but Sporting CP's Inácio is likely to be the preferred partner for the Man City stalwart, with Benfica's Tomás Araújo on hand as cover if needed.
Inácio is a composed passer who will enhance Portugal's ability to dominate games through possession. However, this defensive unit has collective weaknesses. During qualifying, opponents were able to exploit them from wide areas, with Portugal conceding more than a goal per match.
Playing for Diogo
Diogo Jota earned his 49th and final international cap in last year's Nations League final, passing away less than a month later alongside his brother, André Silva, in a tragic car accident.
The football world continues to grieve the former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool forward, who missed the 2022 World Cup through injury. The 2026 edition was set to be his first appearance on the biggest stage.
Scotland's Andy Robertson has spoken of playing for both himself and his former Liverpool teammate this summer in North America, while Martínez, who included a special +1 in his 26-man squad for the tournament, has spoken about how the national team continues to carry Jota's spirit with them.
"It is a responsibility to fight for Diogo's dream," Portugal's head coach has said. "He [Jota] is our strength and our joy. His spirit, his strength and his example are the driving force, and he always will be."
Should Portugal top their group as anticipated, despite fierce competition from Colombia, they will play their round of 32 fixture in Kansas City on July 3 — exactly one year after that devastating day.