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Martínez Names Paulinho to Portugal’s Three-Man Striker Shortlist for 2026

Decision comes March 20 with selection dependent on sustained club form.

Overview

  • Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martínez identified Paulinho, André Silva and Fábio Silva as current options for the centre-forward role.
  • Martínez praised Paulinho’s consistency and said the Toluca forward is being closely monitored for potential call-ups.
  • Final decisions on striker selections will be taken on March 20, with players required to maintain their performance levels.
  • Paulinho’s Liga MX output includes a reported 42 goals in 46 regular-season matches, making him a leading scorer for Toluca.
  • Portugal, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, is planning a friendly in Mexico tied to the Estadio Azteca reopening in early 2026, with the World Cup draw set for December 5.