Portugal begin their World Cup 2026 campaign against DR Congo today, and Roberto Martinez has chosen a strong starting XI. The Spaniard aims to set a precedent for the tournament with a statement victory that would send a ripple through the 48-team bracket.
Strong Lineup for Portugal
Naturally, the goalscoring burden lies with 41-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who starts up front as he looks to respond to Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, who all scored in their respective first games.
The midfield has practically picked itself, with two-thirds coming from Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League-winning trio. The other is Premier League Player of the Season Bruno Fernandes, who has starred for Manchester United this term, especially since moving back into his preferred No. 10 role after Michael Carrick took over at Old Trafford. The United skipper broke the Premier League record for assists in a single season and will link up with former teammate Ronaldo once more on the global stage.
Wide Options and Defense
Out wide, Martinez had plenty of options but chose Chelsea's Pedro Neto over AC Milan's Rafael Leao on the left, and Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva, who is set to join Real Madrid, on the right flank. At the back, it is not Ruben Dias, who is not fully fit, or Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio, but former Chelsea defender Renato Veiga, offering a left-footed option alongside Tomas Araujo. At full-back, the choices were straightforward: Joao Cancelo on the right and Nuno Mendes on the left.
Portugal Starting XI
Portugal XI (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Araujo, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves; Silva, Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo
Time and date: 6pm BST on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Venue: Houston Stadium, Texas. How to watch: BBC.
MORE ABOUT: Portugal, World Cup 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo, Team News
