Have Portugal qualified for the World Cup? Odds, schedule and squad for FIFA tournament in USA, Mexico and Canada 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo could grace the World Cup stage one last time in 2026, as the Portuguese icon gears up for what's likely to be his final shot at global glory. All eyes will once again turn to CR7 as he leads his nation into battle across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Portugal has long been a breeding ground for footballing talent, and the current generation is no exception. With a squad brimming with world-class players in every department, many fans and pundits believe it might be the golden moment for Portugal to finally capture football's biggest prize.

Have Portugal qualified for the World Cup?

Not yet. Portugal play Ireland in Dublin on Thursday before completing their Group F qualifying campaign with a home fixture against Armenia in Porto on Sunday. The Seleção need one point from the two matches to book their place in the draw for USA, Mexico and Canada next summer.

Assuming they get the job done, they appear well set to challenge. However, that's far easier said than done, with powerhouses like Spain, France, Brazil and Thomas Tuchel's England all more than capable of mounting a serious challenge for the coveted Jules Rimet Trophy.

Who are the other leading contenders? And could Ronaldo finally cap off his glittering career by lifting the one trophy that has always slipped through his grasp?

Here we take a deep dive into Portugal's 2026 World Cup chances, the types of bets to place when betting on football, the key players, their potential pathway to the final and latest betting odds on offer.

Portugal odds to win the World Cup

Despite the incredible depth and talent at Roberto Martinez's disposal, Portugal are currently just outside the top five favourites to lift the trophy as they bid to win it for the first time in their history.

Portugal will be one of the most fascinating teams to keep an eye on at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fresh off their second Nations League triumph, the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side enter the tournament among Europe's elite even if they have often failed to deliver at the finals in recent years. 

Despite their impressive rise over the past decade, the World Cup trophy remains the one piece of silverware that continues to elude them. For Ronaldo, this could be the final chapter in his quest to land the biggest prize in world football.

They can currently be found at odds of 12/1 with Paddy Power, which sees them the seventh favourite to lift the famous trophy. 

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play at the World Cup?

Despite his advancing age, all the indications are that Cristiano Ronaldo will still be Portugal's star man and captain come next summer, should Portugal qualify.

He will turn 41 in February and has already played in five World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022). He has played a total of 22 matches across those tournaments and, in Qatar, became the first male player to score in five different World Cups.

He will make more history next summer alongside career rival Lionel Messi with the legendary pair becoming the first players to play in six World Cups. 

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Why are Portugal among the favourites?

During Euro 2024, there was a growing sense that Ronaldo, the country's greatest-ever player and international football's all-time top scorer, may have been more of a hindrance than a help to the team's fluidity.

By the time the tournament kicks off, Ronaldo will be 41, and this will almost certainly be his final shot at completing his collection of major honours. The big question, however, is whether his reduced pace and mobility could prove costly when the competition reaches its sharp end.

Yet, as he has done countless times throughout his career, Ronaldo has silenced the critics. The veteran forward has been in fine form during World Cup qualifying, finding the net regularly and reminding the world that his finishing instincts remain razor-sharp.

Portugal, too, seem to be hitting their stride. They lifted the Nations League title in the summer after edging Spain in a tense penalty shootout. Under Martinez, the side has grown more balanced and less reliant solely on Ronaldo's goals, though the prospect of him in attack would only motivate their bid to go all the way.

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Portugal squad for World Cup 2026

Portugal will head into next year's World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico boasting one of the most talented squads on the planet.

And once again, all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, who looks set to lead his country for what could be the final chapter of his illustrious international career. Despite his age, the Portuguese captain remains the emotional heartbeat of the team and continues to deliver when it matters most.

Alongside him, AC Milan's Rafael Leao has blossomed into one of Serie A's standout performers, bringing flair, pace, and creativity to Roberto Martinez's attack. Juventus loanee Francisco Conceicao has also been turning heads with a string of impressive displays, including a stunning equalizer against Germany in the Nations League semi-finals, a sign that he's ready for the big stage.

While Ronaldo may be 41 by the time the tournament kicks off, he's shown that class is permanent, finishing as top scorer in the Nations League and helping Portugal lift the trophy. Having already conquered Europe in 2016, the World Cup remains the one major prize missing from his glittering resume, and he'll have plenty of support in his quest for glory.

Up front, the likes of Leao, Conceiçao, and Sporting star Francisco Trincao will shoulder much of the attacking burden, while Pedro Neto and Goncalo Ramos offer depth and dynamism in forward areas.

In midfield, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Vitinha will be central to Portugal's game plan, tasked with controlling the rhythm and unlocking opposition defenses with their passing range and vision.

At the back, Nuno Mendes continues to grow in stature. The PSG full-back has been in scintillating form under Luis Enrique and will play a vital role for Portugal, providing both defensive stability and attacking drive from the flanks.

How Portugal's World Cup record compares to other key contenders

Expert Predictions: Will Portugal win the World Cup in 2026?

The burning question is simple: can Cristiano Ronaldo replicate what Messi achieved in Qatar? A World Cup triumph would silence any lingering debates about the greatest of all time, giving Ronaldo the one crown that has always slipped through his grasp.

Portugal certainly have the quality to mount a serious challenge in North America. With a blend of youthful brilliance and seasoned experience, they possess the firepower and composure to go deep, provided they find the right balance between attack and defence when it matters most.

For Ronaldo, the 2026 World Cup isn’t just another tournament, it's his final act on the grandest stage of all. This is his last chance to complete his footballing odyssey, to etch his name alongside Messi's, and to prove that his legend stands tall among the immortals.

Portugal have the weapons. Ronaldo still burns with ambition. All that remains to be seen is whether fate grants him one last dance with destiny.

Best betting sites for Portugal World Cup odds

AllSportsPeople’ expert team have collated the UK’s best sports betting sites to wager on Portugal’s 2026 World Cup odds, plus where you can find the most competitive free bet sign up offers and welcome bonuses to get the best value on the Selecao next summer. 

Tips for betting on Portugal to win the World Cup

Timing your wager will be crucial if you want to secure the best odds across the wide range of markets available. It pays to shop around different Indian bookmakers, as some may offer slightly longer prices on Portugal than others. Spotting those small discrepancies can give you a real edge and help you lock in the best value before the market shifts.

The big question is whether to place your bet now or hold off until closer to the tournament. Waiting allows you to gauge Portugal's form, tactics, and player fitness with more clarity, but it also carries the risk that the odds will shorten as optimism grows.

Their upcoming fixtures might also influence your decision. And don't overlook the pre-tournament friendlies in 2026, they'll be key indicators of form and momentum before the real action begins.

Portugal's route to the World Cup Final

Portugal's path to the final will only become clear once the World Cup draw is held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on December 5 at 10:30 p.m. IST.

Typically, the qualified nations are divided into four pots of 12 teams each, determined by the FIFA men's world rankings, with the top eight sides placed in Pot 1. For the 2026 edition, however, the three host nations, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will automatically join the top five ranked teams to complete the first pot.

As per FIFA's confederation rules, no two teams from the same confederation can share a group, except for Europe, which will have two UEFA nations in each group due to its larger representation.

2026 World Cup winner betting odds

Here's the latest odds from Paddy Power for the countries favoured to win the 2026 World Cup. Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change. Check back here for updated prices.