New Delhi: The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to commence on June 11th, featuring 48 teams vying for the prestigious title. Among the frontrunners is Portugal, which boasts a formidable squad highlighted by talents such as Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Neves. The Portuguese side aims to make history by securing their first FIFA World Cup victory, beginning with their opening match against DR Congo on June 17th.
Ahead of the tournament, defender Ruben Dias expressed the team’s motivation to win the championship, particularly as this World Cup may serve as Cristiano Ronaldo’s last opportunity to compete. “It’s an extra factor of motivation. It would be a pleasure for all of us to be able to provide that moment for him, for ourselves, for the whole of Portugal, to our families. It doesn’t represent extra pressure; it represents an even more special desire to be part of [the World] and to get there to win,” Dias stated in an interview with A Bola.
In addition, midfielder Vitinha, who recently won his second consecutive Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain, spoke about the honor of sharing the field with Ronaldo, regarding him as one of football’s greatest players. “It’s fantastic. He’s one of the greatest players in history. I’m very proud to share the dressing room with him, learn from him, and witness his professionalism every day. I hope we can win the World Cup with him and for him as well. Mainly the way he approaches football: extremely professional and serious. He leaves nothing to chance. He steps onto the pitch knowing he is 100 percent ready and that he has done everything possible for the team,” Vitinha remarked.
As the tournament approaches, Portugal’s preparation intensifies, with hopes high for a successful campaign in the United States.
