Martínez Leads Portugal World Cup Run Into 17 June Opener
Portugal world cup plans are set for Houston. Roberto Martínez’s side secured its ninth World Cup appearance and will open the 2026 tournament against DR Congo on 17 June at noon local time.
That opener gives Portugal its first fixed step in a 48-country World Cup. It also places Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, back on the biggest stage in what appears likely to be his last tournament.
Martínez Reaches His Third World Cup
Martínez led Portugal through qualification and said, “The president and I are aligned: the focus is the World Cup. It’s not a matter of wanting or not wanting; it’s not on the table. The World Cup cannot wait, but the manager’s situation can,” in March. He is set for his third World Cup appearance.
Portugal’s path to the tournament was not smooth. The team delayed its celebrations until the final matchday after a home draw against Hungary in October and a defeat in Ireland in November. It then finished the job with a 9-1 win over Armenia.
Ronaldo Missed Armenia
Ronaldo was sent off in Dublin and did not play against Armenia. Portugal still produced its biggest result of qualifying without him, and the finish removed any doubt about its place in the field.
Martínez said after qualifying, “We won 10 games in a row on the road to Euro 2024, but the team wasn’t as prepared then as it is now. Challenges help you grow.” He also said, “Back then, we lacked the resilience needed to win titles. In the Nations League, it was different. We reacted when Germany scored, when Spain scored, and we won the tournament. That is where we are now. We must prepare well.”
Houston And Miami Dates
Portugal’s group schedule now runs through three cities. It faces DR Congo on 17 June in Houston at noon local time, Uzbekistan on 23 June in Houston at noon local time, and Colombia on 27 June in Miami at 7.30pm local time.
The setup gives Portugal a compact opening stretch before the Miami date closes group play. For a squad carrying a ninth World Cup berth, a seventh straight appearance, and a captain who is 41, the schedule is set and the pressure is immediate.
