Portugal's national team coach Roberto Martinez has stated that his side should not be considered among the favorites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite recent successes. He argues that only teams with prior World Cup victories deserve that status. Martinez expressed strong confidence in his players' potential as contenders.
Portugal has enjoyed a strong run in recent international competitions, topping their group in the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with four wins, one loss, and one draw. The team also secured the UEFA Nations League title this year by defeating Spain in the final via penalties. These achievements have positioned Portugal as a formidable force heading into the tournament, which could mark Cristiano Ronaldo's final appearance on the global stage.
In an interview with Marca, head coach Roberto Martinez addressed the hype surrounding his team. He distinguished between favorites and contenders, emphasizing psychological advantages for past winners. "This is where you see the difference between being a favorite and a candidate," Martinez said. "I think that only those who have previously won a World Cup can be favorites. On a psychological level, knowing that a previous generation has won that tournament gives you special strength, but, even so, I have incredible confidence in this group of players because of the way they live the national team."
When pressed on who might claim favorite status, Martinez pointed to experienced champions in good form: "Those who already know what it's like to win a World Cup and are arriving in good form." He also defended Ronaldo's inclusion in the squad, citing the forward's unwavering attitude and drive despite his age. Ronaldo holds the record as Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 143 international goals and 46 assists across 226 appearances.
Martinez's comments temper expectations while highlighting the team's competitive edge, setting a focused tone for the qualifiers and beyond.
