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Portugal Begins World Cup Training Camp With Cristiano Ronaldo but Without PSG Players
With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way and the recent European champions from Paris Saint-Germain still to join the squad, Portugal has officially begun its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with one clear objective: winning the biggest prize in football.
The Portugal National Team officially kicked off its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with its first training session under head coach Roberto Martínez. The Portuguese side started camp with a partial squad, although it already included its most iconic figure, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to lead the team's ambitions once again on the international stage.
The Spanish manager oversaw a session with 23 players available while awaiting the arrival of Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, and Gonçalo Ramos, who were granted additional rest after helping Paris Saint-Germain win the UEFA Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Portugal’s World Cup Dream
The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the biggest sources of inspiration for a squad that blends experienced veterans with a new generation of talent. While several younger players have taken on increasingly important roles, the captain continues to symbolize the ambitions of a nation eager to reach the pinnacle of world football.
Portugal enters the tournament with high expectations after establishing itself as one of Europe’s strongest national teams in recent years. The depth of talent throughout the roster and the experience gained in major international competitions have strengthened belief that this group can achieve something special.
A Squad Determined to Compete for the Title
Before the opening training session, midfielder Rúben Neves made it clear that the team’s ambitions extend far beyond simply participating in the tournament. According to the Portuguese international, the ultimate goal is to challenge for the World Cup trophy.
Neves emphasized that despite the relative youth of several members of the squad, the team possesses enough experience and quality to handle the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level. He also noted that the expectations surrounding Portugal should serve as motivation rather than a burden.
Before traveling to North America, Portugal will play warm-up matches against Chile and Nigeria, providing valuable opportunities to fine-tune preparations ahead of the tournament.
Drawn into Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Portugal enters the World Cup convinced it has the tools necessary to compete for glory and potentially capture the first World Cup title in the nation's history.
