The Portuguese national soccer team is closing in on a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, but head coach Roberto Martínez wants to make one thing clear. That means no one in the team is talking about the World Cup yet.
Despite sitting at the top of their qualifying group and just two points away from officially ticketing the country to their ninth World Cup, Martinez said his focus is only on the final two qualifying matches, a road match against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on November 13, followed by a final home match against Armenia in Porto on November 16.
“I can’t talk about the World Cup,” Martinez told reporters. “The focus is on qualifying. I want to win both games and then think about the future.”
Ronaldo leads a talented team with just one eye on November
Portugal, led by superstar captain Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest soccer players of all time, is expected to qualify for the 2026 tournament, making it his record-extending sixth World Cup appearance. His experience and leadership will continue to be invaluable to a team filled with dynamic young talent.
Martínez praised Ronaldo’s mentality, saying, “There is no other player with more than 200 caps. He is a role model for the group and is very focused on qualifying in November.” On the other hand, there are some hurdles to overcome and the depth needed to address them.
Portugal will be without star defender Nuno Mendes, who Martínez calls his position “probably the best in the world at the moment”. With Mendes and Tavares sidelined, the manager acknowledged the importance of finding the right tactical balance in the wings.
Martinez sees a positive competitive environment
Joao Cancelo, Vicinha and Rafael Leão are back. Young winger Carlos Forbes made an outstanding performance and earned his chance. Depending on the club’s availability, there is a possibility of reinforcements such as Pedro Neto. “Every year, players emerge who improve the quality of Portuguese football,” Martínez said. “But for that to happen, there needs to be a reason to make the change.”
Portugal have already had some impressive moments in the 2024-25 season, with wins over Germany and Spain in the Nations League and a strong showing in the recent qualifiers (six points in September, four points in October). But Martinez insists the work is not done yet.
“November is always a difficult stage. Nevertheless, our focus is on qualifying for the World Cup… we have to improve, especially in the last 20 minutes of the game.” Fans across Portugal, and in the United States, where the national team will be in the spotlight in 2026, are eager to see Ronaldo and his golden supporting cast on the world’s biggest stage next summer. But until the spot is officially decided, Martinez won’t let anyone get ahead of him.
