Portugal manager Roberto Martínez has confirmed that Wednesday’s friendly against Nigeria will not influence his starting lineup decision for the country’s World Cup opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The match, scheduled for June 17 at NRG Stadium in Houston, is part of Portugal’s final preparations before the tournament begins. Martínez emphasized that the focus remains on ensuring all 26 players in camp are fully ready for the World Cup, not just the first game. He stressed that the squad is being prepared as a whole, with individual fitness and form taking precedence over tactical decisions for the opening match.
All 26 players are now available for selection following the arrival of four key players from Paris Saint-Germain: Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Gonçalo Ramos. These players joined the national team ahead of the previous friendly against Chile, adding depth and quality to Portugal’s squad. Matheus Nunes, who missed the Chile match due to physical issues, is expected to resume full training by Sunday and could feature against Nigeria. João Félix is also in contention, further strengthening Portugal’s attacking options.
Martínez addressed concerns about whether the Nigeria game would serve as a dress rehearsal for the DR Congo clash. Speaking after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Chile, he made it clear that the team is not building towards a specific starting XI. “No, no,” he said, as quoted by O Jogo. “We now have the four PSG players arriving, as well as Matheus Nunes, and we expect to have all 26 or 27 players ready for the second game. We continue with individual preparation.” He also noted that Francisco Trincão did not play against Chile because a red card’s consequences depend on how the game ended, but the overall goal is to prepare every player for the World Cup.
The friendly against Nigeria serves as a crucial test for Portugal’s squad cohesion and fitness. With the World Cup just days away, Martínez is prioritizing squad readiness over tactical experimentation. The match will give him a chance to assess players who may not have been involved in previous games, ensuring that every member of the squad is match-fit and confident. Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be a tough opponent, providing a realistic challenge for Portugal’s preparations.
As Portugal fine-tunes its squad ahead of the tournament, the focus remains on building depth and flexibility. The team’s ability to rotate and adapt will be key, especially in a group that includes DR Congo, Ghana, and Uruguay. Martínez’s approach reflects a long-term vision, ensuring that Portugal is prepared for the entire World Cup journey, not just the opening match. This methodical preparation could prove vital as the Seleção das Quinas aim to go deep in the tournament.
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