Sports

Portugal National Football Team Matches: Results, Fixtures, and Key Players

by Robert Harper

The Portugal national football team is currently one of the strongest sides in world football – ranked consistently in the top 5 by FIFA, led by a golden generation that extends well beyond Cristiano Ronaldo. Under coach Roberto Martínez, Portugal qualified for Euro 2024 and have been building toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup with impressive form.

Here’s an overview of recent results, upcoming fixtures, and the squad driving Portugal’s performances.

Portugal Recent Match Results (2024-2025)

Date Opponent Competition Result
June 2024 Czech Republic UEFA Euro 2024 Win 2-1
June 2024 Turkey UEFA Euro 2024 Win 3-0
June 2024 Georgia UEFA Euro 2024 Win 2-0
June 2024 Slovenia UEFA Euro 2024 (R16) Win (pens) 3-0 (0-0 AET)
July 2024 France UEFA Euro 2024 (QF) Loss (pens) – exit
September 2024 Croatia UEFA Nations League Win 2-1
September 2024 Scotland UEFA Nations League Win 2-0
October 2024 Poland UEFA Nations League Win 3-1
November 2024 Croatia UEFA Nations League Win 1-0
November 2024 Poland UEFA Nations League Win 5-1

*Results subject to change based on scheduling; verify latest on UEFA.com or FBref.*

Portugal in UEFA Nations League 2024-25

Portugal were placed in Nations League A, League A Group 1 alongside Croatia, Scotland, and Poland. They won the group convincingly, advancing to the Nations League Finals.

Team Played Won Drawn Lost Points
Portugal 6 6 0 0 18
Croatia 6 3 0 3 9
Poland 6 1 0 5 3
Scotland 6 2 0 4 6

Key Players in the Current Portugal Squad

Player Position Club Why They Matter
Cristiano Ronaldo Forward Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia) All-time top scorer; 130+ international goals
Bruno Fernandes Midfielder Manchester United Playmaker and captain in Ronaldo’s absence
Bernardo Silva Midfielder Manchester City Creative engine; consistently one of Europe’s best
Rafael Leão Winger AC Milan Explosive pace and skill; future of the attack
Rúben Dias Defender Manchester City One of world’s best centre-backs
João Cancelo Right back Barcelona Attacking fullback; key in build-up
Vitinha Midfielder PSG Midfield control; rising profile
Pedro Neto Winger Chelsea Directness and pace; growing role
Diogo Costa Goalkeeper Porto Hero of Euro 2024 penalty shootout vs Slovenia
António Silva Defender Benfica Young, commanding centre-back

Roberto Martínez: Portugal’s Manager

Appointed in January 2023 following the Qatar 2022 World Cup exit under Fernando Santos, Roberto Martínez (previously Belgium manager) has transformed Portugal’s playing style:

  • More possession-based, fluid attacking football
  • Greater use of rotation and squad depth
  • Reduced reliance on Ronaldo as the sole attacking focus
  • Six wins from six in Nations League 2024-25 group stage

His Belgium side reached world No. 1 in FIFA rankings – he brings similar ambitions to Portugal’s golden generation.

Portugal’s Road to the 2026 World Cup

Portugal qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico) through European qualifying. As one of the highest-ranked European sides, they’re expected to feature deep in the tournament.

Target Status
Euro 2024 Quarter-finals (penalty exit vs France)
Nations League 2024-25 Group winners; qualified for finals
2026 World Cup Qualified

Where to Watch Portugal Matches

Region Broadcaster
Portugal RTP, Sport TV
UK ITV / Channel 4 (major tournaments)
USA
Global streaming UEFA.tv (some free matches)

The Bottom Line

The Portugal national football team is in excellent form heading into 2025-26, with a deep squad beyond Cristiano Ronaldo, a progressive manager, and a Nations League group stage they won without dropping a point. The 2026 World Cup represents their best opportunity at a second major international trophy since Euro 2016.