Portugal's national football team has officially announced its 27-player squad for the 2026 World Cup finals, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old team captain and forward, remains a central figure of the 'Seleção das Quinas,' preparing to compete in his sixth consecutive World Cup since 2006.
On 19 May 2026 GMT+7, Portugal unveiled its World Cup squad led by "CR7." The player roster is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP), Ricardo Velho (Gençlerbirliği Ankara).
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Mateus Nunes (Manchester City), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahçe SK), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Tomás Araújo (Benfica).
Midfielders: Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), Samuel Costa (Mallorca), João Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).
Forwards: João Félix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr).
However, beyond the squad list, a message reading “27+1” posted by the Portuguese team after announcing the squad has sparked worldwide social media discussion. Although no official explanation was given, many fans believe the “+1” is a tribute to Diogo Jota, the former national team forward who tragically passed away in a car accident during the summer of 2025.
This brief message deeply moved many fans. Even though Jota's name is not on this World Cup squad, many view him as still present in the memories of his teammates, staff, and Portuguese supporters.
Portugal is placed in Group K of the 2026 World Cup. Their group stage matches are scheduled against DR Congo on 17 June, Uzbekistan on 23 June, and Colombia on 28 June, all times local to Thailand (GMT+7).