The 2026 World Cup preparations are coming to a close for Portugal who play their final friendly on Wednesday 10 June. The Seleção host Nigeria to Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria at at 20:45 BST.
A portion of the proceeds will go to people and businesses affected by Storm Kristin that caused complete carnage throughout the region in late January.
Roberto Martínez is expected to have a full squad available after being without five players in the 2-1 victory against Chile at Estádio Nacional on Saturday.
The match will be Martínez’s 40th in charge of Portugal. The Seleção have 29 wins, four draws and six defeats since the Spaniard took over in 2023, Bruno Fernandes' goal against Chile the 100th that has been scored under his leadership.
Portugal Squad
Matheus Nunes recovered from gastroenteritis to take part in Portugal’s recovery training session on Sunday morning.
Paris Saint-Germain quartet Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha and Gonçalo Ramos trained in the afternoon to complete Roberto Martínez's squad.
Rafael Leão will serve a one-match suspension after his red card against Chile. Martínez has confirmed Diogo Costa will play the full 90 minutes and Francisco Trincão will surely start in Leiria after failing to get off the bench on Jamor due to Leão's expulsion.
Estão de volta aos relvados. 🦾#VaiDarPortugal | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/cdGw7XjlLh
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 7, 2026
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Nélson Semedo, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, Tomás Araújo
Midfielders: Rúben Neves, Samuel Costa, João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva
Forwards: João Félix, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição, Pedro Neto, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo
Nigeria Form
Nigeria finished one point behind South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers. They snuck into the second round on goal difference, just one goal separating them from Burkina Faso.
Victor Osimhen scored twice in extra time as the Super Eagles edged past Gabon 4-1 in the semi-finals. They met DR Congo in the final, the match ending 1-1 after extra time before going down in a penalty shootout.
Éric Chelle’s side won their opening five matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. They ran into hosts Morocco in the semi-finals, outplayed in Rabat but able to earn a 0-0 draw after extra time before suffering another penalty shootout defeat.
Nigeria played Poland in a friendly last week, Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu scoring in a 2-2 draw in Warsaw.
Nigeria Squad
Notable absentees from Chelle's squad include Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye
Defenders: Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel
Midfielders: Abdullahi Bewene, Wilfred Ndidi, Philip Otele, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, Raphael Onyedika, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards: Terem Moffi, Rafiu Durosinmi, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Owen Oseni
Head-to-Head Record
Portugal have met Nigeria once, a friendly at Estádio José Alvalade in November 2022.
Bruno Fernandes scored two first-half goals for Fernando Santos’ side, Gonçalo Ramos and João Mário coming off the bench to net late goals in a 4-0 victory.
Roberto Martínez Quotes
"It's the last game of preparation, the focus is on preparing, recovering and giving minutes to those who need them. The first objective is to get the players onto the plane ready for the World Cup. That's objective number 1."
"We want to win. In football you have to expect the unexpected. It happened with Chile, we had total control in the first half, with the red team playing 10 against 10 we achieved a good result, but there are also aspects to improve.
"We have an opportunity now to work on aspects that are similar to what we will have against Congo. A different African team. A demanding opponent, which will be a test to prepare our group. We have prepared for many games without a starting eleven. Portugal's strength is everyone's commitment.
"The responsibility is to prepare the players to help the team. To use their talent to win. The idea is to make eleven substitutions. And try to ensure everyone gets minutes.
"It's very easy to define the style. It's a group of very talented players. We have the structure and discipline to win every game. The numbers are there. Goals, victories... Total commitment, to defend quickly, high up the pitch, and that's the style, what we have after 15 years of work in Portuguese football development. Another aspect is the tactical one.
Estilo de jogo de Portugal? Fácil de definir. 👨🏫🇵🇹 #VaiDarPortugal | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/RxZNDAPAbX
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 9, 2026
"It's something different from talking about our tactical structure. The style is what we have. The tactics, as I said on the first day, are about having tactical flexibility to adjust individual talent within the team's structure. And that's what we're working on. It's very difficult for outsiders to talk about the tactical aspect, but the style is easy and defined."
"It's not the end of the season. Now is the beginning of the season. The locker room is fresh, cheerful. Those who played in the Champions League are fully recovered. Now it's about reactivating and restarting the physical aspect for the World Cup. There will be two World Cups there. We are prepared for the first three games.
"In the World Cup, we need to improve a lot in those three games. This is where we can think about the second World Cup. We have a good game tomorrow, Portugal's day, we need the fans, the energy we had at Jamor helped a lot in the psychological aspect. May tomorrow be a step forward in that preparation.
"Nigeria is very different from Congo, but has similar aspects to Congo. The ability of the attackers, the spaces in the defensive line, many players in the central zone. The tactical aspect is different, but culturally there are similar aspects. All four opponents gave us everything we need for the group stage.
"All the players who played more than 45 minutes recovered very well. Our idea was for João Cancelo to play more than 45 minutes. His style and physical capacity allow for that. Like Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias. There are players who need different physical aspects. Tomorrow we only have the limitation of Rafael Leão.
"All the others are prepared. In goal, Diogo Costa will play the full 90 minutes. He is our number 1 goalkeeper, it's a position that needs a lot of clarity. Regarding the field positions, we'll use them tomorrow, and we hope it's a game with many players, but with the same intensity and idea. To win the game together.
"Our captain is an example for everyday life. He gives his all 24 hours a day to help the national team. They don't think about the future. We don't know. There are injuries. There are decisions that are not in your hands. The focus is on training, being the best, executing the concepts. Showing pride in wearing the jersey. That's his example. His only goal is to use tomorrow to improve."
Francisco Trincão Quotes
"Above all, I would say enthusiasm, a unique experience, a tournament unlike any other. I'm excited to help in any way I can. I can't say much because I haven't been to other final stages."
"We must always have confidence, even knowing that it's a difficult tournament. I see an incredible group and very high-quality players. We can take advantage of this and we believe we can do something beautiful.
Acreditar. ✨ #VaiDarPortugal | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/GyzLPKdGyl
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 9, 2026
"I'm feeling great, these days are for that, to adapt in the best way, to regenerate the body. The important thing is to prepare myself in the best way to start the World Championship in the best possible way.
"I'm prepared to play inside and outside. It will depend on the opponent, on what they ask for. It will depend on the game itself. I'm physically well, I've recovered and had a period of vacation. My focus is on helping, winning as many games as possible, and the rest doesn't matter much."
Renato Veiga Quotes
"Being called up to the National Team came naturally. I try to give my best every day. I was very well received by everyone because we have a very easy group to integrate into, with very humble players, and that helps to express our best on the field."
"I think our locker room is our greatest asset. The atmosphere is great, with wonderful people, and it helps us express our best on the field. Whoever plays will certainly give their best. Of course, there's always competition within the group, but the real competition is out there, with our opponents.
"I think nowadays there are more and more games, but we try to prepare ourselves as best as possible for them. I'm sure that in a World Cup we won't lack energy and we'll try to give our best for Portugal.
"First, when they told me I was coming to today's press conference, I was happy because it had been a year since my first trophy with the National Team, and it even gives me goosebumps.
"Regarding the differences, playing and having rotation was very important for me to have some continuity because I played a whole season. I confess that what happened a year ago made me sensitive...
Todos estão preparados para dar tudo. 🫡#VaiDarPortugal | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/coDuNUsP4Z
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 8, 2026
"Playing with Eusébio's number 13 jersey isn't a burden. Above all, it's a privilege to play for Portugal, especially with such an iconic number.
"I think what happened with Rafael Leão reflects a lot of what our locker room is like. When one of our players is in a conflict, the others will protect him. In this case, it happened with Rafael Leão, who protected Cancelo, and then I went there to protect Leão. These are situations that happen.
"There's no denying Portugal's quality. We are contenders, not favorites. But perhaps that will change if you ask me the question during the competition. For now, we are just contenders.
"As a person, I am someone who has very strong values, and that's thanks to my family. I think competing a lot at Villarreal was very good for me and helped me gain maturity and competitiveness.
"Obviously, going through many championships enriches me and gives me a lot of experience as a player to look at other national teams. Certainly, it's the central position, but I'm available to play wherever the manager sees fit. Playing in various positions requires different skills that only enrich me as a player."
FAQs
Where is Portugal vs Nigeria being played?
Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria.
When is Portugal vs Nigeria being played?
Wednesday 10 June 2026 at 20:45 BST.
