“Major absences of Portugal in the 2026 World Cup: Who was left out?”

António Silva, Palhinha, Horta, Paulinho and other stars left out of the Portuguese national team for the 2026 World Cup: the controversial choices of Roberto Martínez that are igniting national football!

The call-up for the Portuguese national team for the 2026 World Cup, revealed by Roberto Martínez, has left fans in shock and the press in a frenzy. The Spanish coach opted for a list of 27 players, most of whom had already been called up for friendly matches against Mexico and the United States in March, or are regulars in the national team selections. However, the real highlight is not the inclusions, but the significant absences that raise numerous questions and doubts regarding the team’s strategy and vision for the most important tournament in world football.

Among the names that were left out, the most surprising is undoubtedly João Palhinha. The Tottenham midfielder, despite an inconsistent season, had been a regular presence in Martínez’s call-ups until now. His absence was justified by the impressive form displayed by Samu Costa in recent matches and by the versatility of young Matheus Nunes, who is capable of playing both as a right-back and as a midfielder, ultimately taking the place of the former Sporting player. This decision is set to spark controversy, especially among fans who were hoping to see Palhinha lead the Portuguese midfield at the World Cup.

Another notable name left off the list is António Silva. The young central defender, who has shone at Benfica, was overlooked in favor of Tomás Araújo, a decision that has also sparked heated debates in football circles. Mateus Fernandes, a midfielder for West Ham, Ricardo Horta, and Pedro Gonçalves, key players for SC Braga and Sporting respectively, also missed out, leaving many questioning the lack of creative talent in the squad selection.

In the attack, Paulinho, who had been called up at the last minute in March, was left out of the final list. Roberto Martínez justified his decision with a preference for Gonçalo Guedes, whose characteristics offer a different alternative compared to the other forwards called up, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos. This choice reveals a clear bet on a more versatile and dynamic player profile in attack, but it is still controversial given Paulinho’s experience and impact on the national team.

Rodrigo Mora, from FC Porto, who had also been called up for the March games, had to be released due to injury, an absence that is not surprising but further weakens the coach’s options.

In addition to these, other players who participated last season, such as João Carvalho, goalkeeper for SC Braga and a regular with the under-21 team, Nuno Tavares, a left-back who has lost momentum at Lazio, and Carlos Forbs, a winger for Club Brugge who made his debut for the national team last November, were naturally left out, without causing much uproar.

This call-up by Roberto Martínez for the 2026 World Cup raises crucial questions: is the national team betting on youth and versatility at the expense of experience and proven talent? Will the absences of prominent names such as António Silva, Palhinha, and Horta affect the performance of the Portuguese team on the biggest stage in world football? What is certain is that the controversy has been sparked, and the path to the World Cup will be marked by intense debates and extremely high expectations.

Stay tuned for upcoming news and analyses, as the Portuguese national team prepares for a World Cup where the coach’s choices could be decisive for the future of national football!

This article first appeared on Apito Final.