Paris Saint-Germain head coach, Luis Enrique, has identified Portugal as one of the top favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, applauding the squad’s strong balance, impressive depth, and wealth of experience under manager Roberto Martinez.
Addressing the media, the former Spain boss pointed to the overall quality of the Portuguese team, which recently claimed the UEFA Nations League title. He described the side as one filled with exceptional talent and individuality across all departments.
Enrique also praised Martinez for the swift impact he has made since assuming leadership of the national team after leaving Belgium, noting that the Spanish coach has quickly transformed Portugal into a united and highly competitive force.
According to the PSG manager, Martinez has successfully built on Portugal’s historic 2016 European Championship victory, moulding the team into one capable of competing for football’s most prestigious trophy.
Speaking with World Soccer Talk, Enrique said, “For me, there’s no question that they are among the strongest teams with a real chance of winning the World Cup.
“There are, of course, other powerful sides, including Spain and the traditional heavyweights. But Portugal still boasts some outstanding individual talents.
“For many years, Portugal has exported its players, coaches, and sporting directors to different parts of the world, and they have consistently excelled. You see Portuguese professionals everywhere, and they perform at a very high level.”
Enrique added that the current structure of the Portuguese national team, guided by a Spanish coach, is particularly impressive, explaining that the fusion of cultures and football philosophies makes the setup stand out internationally.
When asked which nation he would support if Spain were eliminated from the tournament, Enrique did not hesitate in naming Portugal as his preferred choice.
“They are always among the teams we talk about because of their exceptional players and high standards,” he said.
“What they still need is a World Cup title. Of course, I hope Spain wins, but if not, I would love to see Portugal lift the trophy. Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his desire to represent Portugal at the World Cup after their successful qualification campaign.”
With Ronaldo still spearheading the attack and a new wave of talented players thriving under Martinez, Portugal appear well positioned to mount a serious title challenge when the 2026 World Cup begins.
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