9
FIFA Ranking
2
Finals
2018
Last World Cup
2006 (4th)
Best Performance
Portugal dropped points in their final two qualifying matches to finish second in Group A, with the last gasp 1-2 defeat at home to Serbia in their final match serving the sucker punch to force them into the playoffs. After dispatching Turkey 3-1 in their opener, they were likely to meet Italy for a place at the World Cup, only for the newly crowned European Champions to fall to North Macedonia, who Portugal went on to defeat 2-0 to qualify for their sixth consecutive World Cup. They have had a tough last few tournaments though, failing to escape the group stages in 2014 and being knocked out in the Round of 16 in 2010 and 2018. Champions of Europe in 2016, they were also knocked out in the Round of 16 in last year’s European Championships by Belgium.
Player to Watch
Ronaldo, who first played for his nation in 2003 has had a truly remarkable career, during which time he has represented his nation almost 200 times and scoring well over 100 goals in the process. The 37 year old must surely be playing in his final World Cup where he will be hoping to emulate his country’s success in the 2016 European Championships. The five time Ballon d’Or winner’s goal scoring record is truly remarkable, no other player can boast scoring over 800 senior goals for club and country.
Squad List