Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and company are ready to attack the 2026 World Cup with all available strength, after Roberto Martínez finally had all the called-up players training at full capacity at the Cidade do Futebol, ahead of the final test against Nigeria. Only one significant absence will mark the last preparatory match: Rafael Leão, controversially sent off against Chile, will be the only player unavailable for the encounter in Leiria, but even the Milan forward took to the pitch to train, showing that he wants to maintain his competitive rhythm for the final phase.
The National Team thus enters the decisive phase of preparation for the World Cup, with the coach counting on the entire squad except for Leão, who is serving a suspension. In the morning training session this Sunday, Matheus Nunes rejoined the team after missing the match against Chile due to gastric issues. Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha, and Gonçalo Ramos—all of whom are two-time European Under-21 champions—are now looking to add their first minutes in this preparatory stage, as is Francisco Trincão, who did not come off the bench in the last match. For the clash against Nigeria, Roberto Martínez has already confirmed that he intends to give the starting position to Diogo Costa, who was not used against Chile.
THE 2026 WORLD CUP IS EXPERIENCED WITH LEGO
This news is of immense relevance to Portuguese aspirations, as the coaching staff led by Martínez can finally test all available solutions before the match against the United States. The 2026 World Cup, which kicks off on June 17 for Portugal with a game against the DR Congo, is seen as one of the last great opportunities for the golden generation, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, to win the most coveted trophy. Preparation at full throttle and without surprises allows the coach to fine-tune the strategy, increase internal competitiveness, and avoid unpleasant last-minute surprises.
Roberto Martínez, at a press conference following training, did not hide his confidence and ambition: “The goal is to arrive at the World Cup in the best possible shape. I want to see all the players ready to compete at the highest level.” The Spanish coach also highlighted Ronaldo’s role as a daily example: “Ronaldo is an example for day-to-day life, in the way he works and his winning mentality.” Diogo Costa, who will start against Nigeria, expressed his motivation: “I am ready to help the team. I want to take this opportunity and show my worth.” Francisco Trincão, when questioned about his usage, was emphatic: “We have to have confidence and believe. My focus is to help the National Team, the rest doesn’t matter.”
The match against Nigeria, scheduled for Wednesday in Leiria, represents the last real test before the World Cup debut. Martínez is expected to take the opportunity to give minutes to those who have not yet been used and to test alternative dynamics against an opponent that promises to create difficulties and expose potential weaknesses. Fans’ expectations are high, with the National Team demonstrating cohesion, intensity, and an unwavering commitment to the goal of making history on American soil.
With the start of the World Cup just around the corner, the pressure is mounting, and every detail counts. Portugal will face, after the Democratic Republic of Congo, the teams from Uzbekistan and Colombia in the group stage, in a competition where there is no margin for error. The absence of Rafael Leão in the last rehearsal may force Martínez to test tactical alternatives and reinforce the versatility of the attack, but the massive presence of key players guarantees quality and ambition.
The next step will inevitably be the definition of the ideal eleven to pursue the World Cup dream, with the internal competition for spots intensifying and motivating the entire group. The test against Nigeria will be crucial to dispel doubts, consolidate automatisms, and assess the true state of the team before the biggest stage in world football. Portugal is ready to embark on the journey towards glory — and the eyes of the nation are on this team that promises to shake its opponents in 2026.
NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – HERE
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
