Portugal haven’t gone beyond the quarter-finals of the World Cup since 2006; this time around, they appear well-placed to do that and more.
At 12/1 with LiveScore Bet* to lift the trophy for the first time, Portugal aren’t quite dark horses but are on the periphery of the broadly accepted favourites – and that might just suit a star-studded squad which strikes a healthy balance between players just hitting their peak and seasoned campaigners.
Anyone who’s watched PSG’s run to a second straight Champions League final this term will doubtless have been impressed by the exploits of Nuno Mendes – arguably the best left-back on the planet right now – and midfield duo Vitinha and Joao Neves.
Add in Goncalo Ramos – who burst onto the scene with a hat-trick on his first World Cup start against Switzerland four years ago – and PSG are extremely well-represented in the Portuguese set-up – and that club unity could be hugely beneficial if it translates to the national team.
Then there’s Portugal’s senior contingent – including captain Cristiano Ronaldo and playmaker supreme Bruno Fernandes.
Poised to become one of the first two players to play at six World Cups – alongside his great contemporary, Lionel Messi – Ronaldo turned 41 in February – and there’s still much debate over whether he should be starting over the aforementioned Ramos, but if there’s anyone who can channel the pride of representing their country on the biggest stage into performances belying their years, it’s Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning skipper.
As for Fernandes, the Manchester United captain is in the form of his life right now, closing in on the Premier League record for the most assists in a single campaign and recently being honoured with the prestigious FWA (Football Writers’ Association) Footballer of the Year award for 2026. The 31-year-old set up both goals in his country’s last outing, a 2-0 friendly win over World Cup co-hosts the USA in Atlanta.
Ronaldo, Fernandes and co. are led by head coach Roberto Martinez, who has experience of going deep at the World Cup, having guided Belgium to third place in 2018, and he wants Portugal to “dream” of glory in North America this summer.
Portugal will play home friendlies against Chile and Nigeria before jetting off to North America – where they must fancy themselves to top Group K ahead of Colombia, DR Congo and tournament debutants Uzbekistan. Win the group and they’ll take on a third-placed side in the last 32; a path at least halfway to immortality is already opening up...
Back Portugal to win World Cup 2026 at 12/1 with LiveScore Bet
*Odds correct as of 14/5/26
Next, see Which Countries Have Won the World Cup?
