Can Portugal Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

As ever, Portugal will be one of the favorites, but the expanded format will test even the best teams in the heat of the US, Canada, and Mexico. The best online sports betting in Texas might like to get behind the host nation in 2026 but recent history suggests it will be a European or South American team that ends up victorious.

In this article, we will look at the current national team setup, as well as what is in store for the Portugal side before the tournament begins less than a year from now. Can Portugal really finally win a World Cup?

Recent Results

While other nations began their World Cup qualifying campaigns earlier in the year, Portugal was once again fighting it out with the elite of Europe at the Nations League finals. The Seleção won the first-ever edition of the tournament in 2019 and became the first team to claim a second title back in June.

An unbeaten run throughout 2024 was followed by a narrow loss to Denmark, before a second-leg victory saw Portugal progress to the finals. A much-improved Germany was then dispatched before Portugal beat favorites Spain on penalties in the final. Ronaldo scored in every game but stood back from the shootout, as the battle between the Iberian powerhouses was decided.

Qualifying Campaign

Now, Portugal needs to do some catching up in the qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. Much of Europe has already played three or four opening phase games, but the teams competing in the Nations League are still to kick off their groups. The first round of games in group F will be played on September 6th, when Portugal travels to Armenia.

The Seleção then go to Hungary three days later before playing its first home game against the Republic of Ireland in October. Those are the other three teams in the group and it would be a huge surprise if Portugal were not to take first place and the only automatic qualifying spot. There is a playoff route available for the group runner-up but Portugal should finish its campaign in November knowing it is going to its seventh consecutive World Cup finals.

Portugal at the World Cup

Although Portugal has boasted one of the finest national teams in world football for the last 20 years or so now, it has never been able to make a serious challenge at a World Cup finals. The European Championship was famously won in 2016, of course, but the national side has never made it further than the quarterfinals at a World Cup.

The first-ever appearance at a final was back in 1966, led by the legendary Eusebio, but then Portugal was to wait 20 more years before qualifying for the tournament in Mexico. The Seleção has made it to every tournament since 2002 but has usually departed after the group stage or round of 16. Portugal made it to the last eight three years ago in Qatar but was surprisingly beaten by Morocco. Now the players will be keen to have another shot at glory.

Ronaldo’s Last Chance?

It seems like a fool’s game to write Ronaldo off, but he has now turned 40 and the finals next year will probably be his final chance of lifting the most famous trophy in international football. He is still in excellent condition, of course, and has just extended his contract with his club side in Saudi Arabia to play for another two years. But time catches up with everyone – even Ronaldo.

He is undoubtedly still a hugely influential figure within the national team camp and can also play a major part on the field. But it is understandable that a 40-year-old must limit his involvement in order to be as effective as possible. Ronaldo will still probably play in the majority of the qualifying games but he may need to be rested during the heat of the actual finals next summer.

Portugal: World Champions

Portugal has been handed a relatively straightforward route to the finals, so there should not be too much concern about making it to the World Cup next year. Once the groups are drawn for the tournament, we will know more about the team’s chances of going far in the competition.

As much as Portugal has one of the most-admired midfield trios in world football in Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva, there will be other nations more fancied to lift the trophy. Spain, England, and Argentina will all be favored, with Germany, France, and Brazil also expecting to do well.

We still have a full domestic season (and qualifying campaign) to go before we settle down for the World Cup, but every Portugal fan will be wondering whether 2026 will finally be the year. With Ronaldo surely nearing the end of his playing days – at least on an international stage – it only seems apt that his final contribution would be to lift the World Cup in New York next summer. A lot will happen in the next year to determine whether that dream comes true, but Portugal has as much chance as anyone of winning the competition – and the fans will be willing the team on all the way.