Portugal is embracing its status as one of the leading favorites for the FIFA World Cup 2026 but is determined to approach the tournament one match at a time, midfielder Vitinha said on Saturday.
Led by Cristiano Ronaldo and featuring one of the most talented squads in the competition, Portugal enters the expanded 48-team tournament as a strong contender to win the World Cup for the first time in its history.
Despite the high expectations surrounding the team, Vitinha insisted that the players are concentrating solely on the immediate challenges ahead.
Vitinha explained that the squad had not discussed placing high pressure on themselves. He added that all competitions are won by focusing on the present moment and not worrying about future outcomes.
Portugal will open its World Cup campaign against Congo in Houston on June 17. The midfielder also revealed that each player will carry a special tribute throughout the tournament.
Following a gesture from Portugal’s Prime Minister, the squad received bracelets bearing their names and that of the late forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain last July.
Jota, a regular member of the national team before his passing, has been included as an honorary squad member by head coach Roberto Martínez.
The team arrived in the United States on Friday and is based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for the duration of the competition.
During their first training session, Portugal received a warm welcome from supporters. Ronaldo led the squad in applauding the fans who had gathered at the training ground.
With temperatures reaching around 32 degrees Celsius, Vitinha acknowledged that weather conditions could influence matches but emphasized that every team faces the same challenge.
Portugal aims to add a first World Cup title to its 2016 European Championship victory and Nations League successes.
Many observers see this tournament as one of Ronaldo’s final opportunities to claim football’s greatest prize.
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