Dalot backs Portugal to win 2026 World Cup as Ronaldo's final shot looms

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has declared himself confident that Portugal can win the 2026 World Cup, saying the trophy is a realistic target as the Selecao prepare to kick off their campaign against DR Congo in Group K.

Portugal have claimed the Euro 2016 title and the 2025 Nations League over the past decade but have never lifted the World Cup. Their group stage schedule also includes fixtures against Uzbekistan and Colombia before the knockout rounds begin.

“I have some dreams, and being world champion is one of them,” Dalot told Portuguese outlet A Bola. “Bringing that dream into reality, we know we have to work a lot. We still have three games ahead of us, and that is our main focus. Then it is game by game until the final, if possible, and being able to win it is a big objective we have.”

The full-back acknowledged the weight of history while insisting it fuels rather than burdens the squad. “I am confident we have the conditions for it. History, unfortunately, does not say Portugal have already won it. So we want to do something that has not been done, but always with the humility to work hard to achieve it. We know we have quality in the squad. The quality of Portuguese players and Portuguese teams has continued to grow.”

The 2026 tournament is widely expected to represent Cristiano Ronaldo’s final opportunity to add a World Cup winner’s medal to his collection, lending additional significance to Portugal’s preparations.

Dalot also paid tribute to head coach Roberto Martinez, crediting the Spaniard’s tactical flexibility and man-management for the national team’s recent improvement. “What he has done so far is clear and it is something that deserves recognition. We managed to win a trophy with him. Everything he has done for us, and the improvement the national team has had in recent years, is clear.”

On Martinez’s ability to rotate across positions, Dalot added: “For any coach, having the possibility of several players who can play in different positions is an advantage. We have already shown that even the players called up have that ability, so for the national team it will be beneficial.”