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Portugal Reshuffle for Qualifiers as Ronaldo Reaffirms National-Team Priority

Two home wins this window would put top-of-group Portugal on the brink of 2026 World Cup qualification.

Overview

  • João Neves was withdrawn from the October squad after PSG and the FPF determined a left thigh injury left him unfit to play.
  • Roberto Martínez has reportedly called up Lazio’s Nuno Tavares as cover, with João Cancelo still sidelined and several regulars returning.
  • Portugal host the Republic of Ireland on October 11 and Hungary on October 14, following September wins over Armenia and Hungary that set the pace in Group F.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo received the Globe Prestige award and said he intends to keep playing for a few more years with the 2026 World Cup as his goal.
  • Ronaldo stated he would play only for the national team if rules allowed and acknowledged using the AI tool Perplexity to help prepare his acceptance speech.