Martinez: No Fixed Starting XI for Portugal at World Cup 2026 -

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez says he has not settled on a starting lineup ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting his squad depth is too strong to limit talent to 11 players.

The statement came after Portugal edged Nigeria 2-1 in their final friendly on Wednesday at the Estadio Municipal de Leiria. Pedro Neto opened scoring for the Selecao before Akor Adams equalized for the Super Eagles. Substitute Francisco Conceicao netted the winner in the 74th minute.

Speaking after the match, Martinez said the team’s approach is flexible and based on form. “There is no fixed starting XI. In contemporary football, there are 26 players who can contribute,” he told OJogo. “It would be erroneous to assume I have a starting XI, only to discover in four or five days that other players are in better form.”

Ronaldo Makes History with Sixth World Cup as Portugal Unveil 2026 Squad

Ronaldo Sidelined with Injury, Misses Portugal’s Final World Cup Friendlies

World Cup: Maguire Shocked After England Squad Omission

IFAB Confirms Major Rule Changes for 2026 World Cup

He added that players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Francisco Trincao, and Pedro Neto started against Nigeria, but that could change before the World Cup opener.

Martinez stressed that Portugal’s strength lies in having multiple options who understand the tactical plan against the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 17.

Portugal enter the tournament in strong form after a goalless draw with Mexico, a 2-0 win over the USA, and victories against Chile and Nigeria in their last four friendlies.