Portugal Are Still Looking To Win Their First World Cup
Portugal | Head coach: Roberto Martinez | Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
There’s just over a week to go until the greatest international football extravaganza gets underway and here at BetVictor News, we have the Portugal World Cup preview, prediction, latest odds, tournament record, star players, best betting angles and more.
- Portugal World Cup prediction: Seleaco das Quinas stumble in the last eight
- Bet on the 2026 World Cup with BetVictor
Portugal World Cup Preview
It appears to be a mystery as to why Portugal often struggle on the biggest stage. Especially with the hugely talented players they have had at their disposal over the years. Perhaps that is why the World Cup odds are slightly against them once again this time around.
And with Roberto Martinez at the helm and the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo leading the side on the pitch, the mountain of pressure to succeed shows no signs of slowing. As for CR7, this will almost certainly be his last rodeo on the world stage. Can he replicate rival Lionel Messi’s success from Qatar?
Portugal World Cup Record
As far as Portugal’s record goes on the biggest stage, it’s relatively scarce. Which is something to bear in mind when it comes to World Cup betting this summer. This year’s event will be just the 9th that Seleaco das Quinas have participated in.
Their best ever finish came in 1966 when the legendary Eusebio was strutting his stuff. He helped fire Portugal – who were making their debut – to third and their next highest finish came in the 2006 tournament in Germany. On that occasion, the Portuguese came 4th.
Portugal World Cup record summary:
- Total World Cups played: 9 (including 2026)
- Titles: n/a
- Runners‑up: n/a
- Best finish: 3rd in 1966, 4th in 2006
- Did not participate: 1930
- Did not qualify: 1934, 1938, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1990, 1994, 1998
Portugal World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Silva (Sporting), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (Paris St-Germain), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomas Araujo (Benfica)
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (Paris St-Germain), Vitinha (Paris St-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Joao Felix (Al-Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (Paris St-Germain)
Portugal Star Players
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Rafael Leao
- Joao Felix
- Bruno Fernandes
- Joao Neves
- Vitinha
- Bernardo Silva
- Ruben Neves
- Ruben Dias
Portugal’s World Cup Fixtures
Although Portugal are not one of the outright World Cup betting favourites, they will see themselves come into contention with a smooth progression from Group K. Roberto Martinez’s side will take on DR Congo, Uzbekistan and World Cup dark horses Colombia. In theory, all three nations are more than beatable.
In terms of UEFA qualifying, Seleaco das Quinas finished 1st in Group F ahead of Ireland, Hungary and Armenia. The Irish were the only side to beat Portugal as they won four of their six fixtures and drew the other.
- Portugal vs DR Congo on June 17 at the NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
- Portugal vs Uzbekistan on June 23 at the NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
- Colombia vs Portugal on June 28 at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
Portugal World Cup Odds
As it stands, Portugal can be backed at 10/1 in the World Cup winner odds market. That makes Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. the 6th favourites behind France, Spain, England, Argentina and Brazil. And that price is a fair reflection of their chances owing to the fact they have never gone all the way, but have a squad more than capable of challenging.
Although the Portuguese are not considered a dark horse, it would raise a few eyebrows to see them lift a maiden title. Especially as they would have to beat the aforementioned teams at some point in the knockout stages.
- World Cup winner odds: 10/1
- World Cup runners-up odds: 5/1
- World Cup semi-finalists odds : 5/2
- World Cup quarter-finalists odds: 5/4
Our Portugal Team Markets allow customers to bet on the Seleaco das Quinas tournament top scorer. Cristiano Ronaldo heads the betting followed by Man United ace Bruno Fernandes and Goncalo Ramos.
Portugal World Cup Prediction
History will tell you that Portugal fair much better in the European Championship as opposed to the World Cup. And as much as Cristiano Ronaldo will be desperate to get his hands on the trophy, we feel this will be one major honour that eludes the global superstar from his glittering career.
In fact, we are backing the Portuguese to bid farewell to their supporters at the quarter-final stage. Interestingly, Seleaco das Quinas could meet Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the last eight and in a one-off showdown, the South Americans should prove too strong for CR7.
Portugal World Cup prediction: Quarter-final (5/4)
Portugal 2026 World Cup FAQs
How many goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Portugal?
As of June 3, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 143 goals in 226 appearances. Ronaldo is the highest overall men’s international goalscorer in history. He scored his first goal against Greece at Euro 2004 and his most recent came against Hungary in October 2025.
Have Portugal won the World Cup?
No, Portugal are yet to win the World Cup. Their best finish came in 1966 when they placed third in their debut tournament. The legendary Eusebio scored a total of nine goals. In 2006, the Portuguese finished fourth which is the second-best finish on the world stage.
Who is the Portugal manager?
Roberto Martinez is the current head coach of Portugal. Martinez has held the post since January 2023 and has won 26 of his 38 games in charge.
If you intend to bet on the 2026 World Cup, then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. Odds correct as of 12pm, June 3, 2026 and are subject to change.
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