The Portugal World Cup 2022 squad announcement is fast approaching, and Fernando Santos has hinted at who could be involved with his selection for September’s Nations League games.
Portugal face the Czech Republic and Spain later this month as their preparations for the spectacular event in Qatar continue.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time international goalscorer in September and has been adding to his tally ever since. The 36-year-old may not be as mobile as he once was, but he remains one of the most decisive attacking players on the planet.
Portugal have no shortage of talent in the forward areas, with Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota and Andre Silva hoping to impress at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Portugal World Cup 2022 squad: The Nations League squad for September
- GK: Diogo Costa (Porto)
- GK: Rui Patrício (Roma)
- GK: Jose Sa (Wolves)
- DF: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
- DF: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
- DF: Nuno Mendes (PSG)
- DF: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
- DF: Tiago Djalo (Lille)
- DF: Pepe (Porto)
- DF: Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
- DF: Danilo Pereira (PSG)
- MF: Joao Palhinha (Fulham)
- MF: Matheus Nunes (Wolves)
- MF: William Carvalho (Real Betis)
- MF: Ruben Neves (Wolves)
- MF: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
- MF: Joao Mario (Benfica)
- MF: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
- MF: Vitinha (PSG)
- FW: Joao Felix (Atlético Madrid)
- FW: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
- FW: Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
- FW: Pedro Neto (Wolves)
- FW: Rafa Silva (Benfica)
- FW: Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
- FW: Ricardo Horta (Braga)
How many players are Portugal allowed to take to the 2022 World Cup?
National managers were allowed to bring 26 players to last summer’s European Championship for the first time at a major tournament, as a special measure brought in due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now it has been announced that 26-player squads will return for the Qatar World Cup, an expansion from the usual 23-man teams.
When will the final Portugal 2022 World Cup squad be announced?
The 2022 World Cup takes place from 21 November – 18 December 2022.
While the next World Cup’s staging is a break from the traditional football calendar, World Cup squads are usually announced around six weeks prior to the tournament beginning.
This may change with club football being played closer to the start date of the tournament.
Who will make the final Portugal 2022 World Cup squad?
Barring injuries or bans, there are a few players that we expect to be dead certs for Fernando Santos’s final Portugal 2022 World Cup squad.
Cristiano Ronaldo, of course, will be on the plane to Qatar. This will almost certainly be his last chance to win the World Cup, and although he will be almost 38 by the time the action kicks off, few would back against him to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.
Bruno Fernandes, his team-mate at Old Trafford, is another player whose place in the squad is virtually guaranteed. The same can be said for Manchester City(opens in new tab) trio Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva.
Pepe, Jose Fonte, Rui Patricio, Joao Moutinho are all nearing the end of their careers but continue to be regulars for the national team.
