Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has named a 27-man squad featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes as the European giants continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including an upcoming friendly against Nigeria.
The UEFA Nations League champions will head into the global tournament after being drawn in Group K alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
As part of their build-up to the competition, Portugal have scheduled a series of warm-up matches, including a high-profile encounter against Nigeria on June 10 at the Dr Magalhães Pessoa Stadium in Portugal.
The match will serve as one of Portugal’s final preparations before opening their World Cup campaign against DR Congo at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, is expected to play a key role for Portugal in what could potentially be his final FIFA World Cup appearance. Fernandes also made the squad following another strong season at club level.
Both players were part of Portugal’s previous meeting with Nigeria in November 2022, when the European side recorded a 4-0 victory over the Super Eagles, although Ronaldo did not feature in the match.
Martínez’s squad combines experienced stars with emerging talents across Europe’s top leagues.
The goalkeeping department includes Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva and Ricardo Velho.
In defence, Portugal will rely on Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Matheus Nunes and Nelson Semedo.
Midfield options include Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, João Neves, Vitinha, Rúben Neves and Samuel Costa, while Ronaldo leads an attacking group that also features Rafael Leão, João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição and Gonçalo Guedes.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is yet to announce his squad for the friendly but has previously indicated that Nigeria will field a strong team despite missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The encounter is expected to provide both sides with an important test ahead of their respective future commitments.
