Junior Kroupi Left Out as Portugal Name 27 for 2026

Portugal named its 27-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday at 14:00, and junior kroupi was not in it. Cristiano Ronaldo is in the group at 41 years old, while Éli Junior Kroupi and Afonso Moreira were both left out.

Martinez Keeps Portugal Intact

Roberto Martinez presented the list with four goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders and eight attackers, keeping the shape of the squad clear before the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Portugal won the Nations League last season, and this selection keeps that core together rather than forcing a wider reset.

Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva and Ricardo Velho were the goalkeepers. Nuno Mendes, João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Nelson Semedo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Tomás Araújo and Gonçalo Inácio make up the defense, with Samu Costa, Rúben Neves, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Vitinha in midfield.

Ronaldo Stays, Kroupi Waits

Ronaldo’s place remains the headline selection in attack, alongside Rafael Leão, João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos, Francisco Conceição, Francisco Trincão, Gonçalo Guedes and Pedro Neto. At 41, he is still part of the attacking group Portugal will carry into the 2026 World Cup.

Kroupi’s omission is the sharper call. The source said he had the option to choose Portugal through his mother’s origins, but he also has an attachment to France, and he and Moreira had been viewed as possible surprises after their remarkable seasons with Bournemouth and Lyon.

For readers tracking the squad race, the list leaves Portugal with a settled 27-man group and no room for late debate around those two young attackers. Martinez has gone with continuity, and the roster now heads into the World Cup cycle with Ronaldo included and the expected outsiders shut out.