Portugal is about to embark on one of the most ambitious campaigns in its history, with a national team full of talent, responsibility, and dreams heading to the United States to compete in the 2026 World Cup. The excitement is palpable among fans and players, with hundreds of people flocking to the City of Football to support the stars before the match. The anticipation is at its peak, and both Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Roberto Martínez do not hide their confidence in a group that aims to make history.
The Portuguese squad will gather this afternoon to begin their transatlantic journey to Palm Beach, in the United States, following a morning training session and a brief farewell ceremony. Before departing for Humberto Delgado Airport, the delegation will make a stop at São Bento, where they will be received by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, clearly indicating the national significance of this expedition. Arrival at the airport is scheduled for 2 PM, followed by a flight with an estimated duration of ten hours, carrying Portuguese hopes to the other side of the Atlantic.
THE 2026 WORLD CUP IS EXPERIENCED WITH LEGO
The importance of this moment cannot be underestimated. Portugal enters the competition with the ambition to surpass its achievement in 2018, when it reached the Round of 16, and to replicate the historic performances of 1966 and 2006, when it reached the semifinals. The 2026 World Cup represents a golden opportunity for this generation to leave an indelible mark on the history of Portuguese football. The squad, made up of 27 fully fit players, carries a suitcase full of dreams, as Roberto Martínez emphasized: “We have three games, being able to win the games is the collective objective. I feel they are prepared. It is a very clear step for all of us.”
Martínez also emphasized the spirit of unity and the attitude that has characterized this generation: “It is a generation with a lot of responsibility and talent. But more importantly, it is the attitude and the responsibility of representing the Portugal jersey.” During the preparation, the coach admitted to having doubts due to the risk of injuries, but assured: “We have 27 players fit, with huge enthusiasm. We are ready. We need to take the next step, to reach the second World Cup, after the three games.” The Spanish coach also thanked the support received during the friendlies: “The strength in the friendlies was what we needed. I thank you. We will fight; we have incredible team values. A suitcase full of dreams. When we are together, we are better.”
Regarding the preparation, Martínez acknowledged that there is still room for improvement, but he remains confident: “As I said, it was a very good, tiring preparation. It was not normal for us to be at the highest level in these two games. The most important thing is when it starts rolling on June 17. When things start to tighten up, the temperature… that’s when we will see the champions.” The coach does not hide his optimism: “I am positive that it will go well. The most important thing is to start well, to finish first from there. The path is built by walking. Starting well is what matters.” He concluded: “The formula is to win, gain confidence, and get into the rhythm.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, captain and the greatest symbol of this national team, expressed his enthusiasm and fitness: “The same, with a lot of joy. We know this is a special competition. We go with a lot of hope. Physically I am well. Haven’t you seen the games?” When asked about the title, the Madeira-born forward was realistic but ambitious: “We will only know at the end. It’s a very good generation, but there are factors we cannot control. I believe it’s a generation that will bring a lot of joy.”
With the trip starting in just a few hours, the focus is on the challenges ahead. The national team enters the group stage with three decisive matches, where every point earned could be crucial for qualification. The objective is clear: to finish first and build, game by game, a path that could culminate in an unprecedented appearance in the final. Fans and experts view this group as one of the most talented ever, but also with the pressure to meet expectations and the weight of the national team’s jersey.
The next step, after arriving in Palm Beach, will be to adapt to the local conditions and final preparations for the first match, scheduled for June 17. The atmosphere within the team is one of unity and optimism, with the conviction that together they are stronger and that Portugal can finally reach the top of the world. The country eagerly awaits the start of the competition, hoping to witness another golden chapter written by national football.
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