Portugal's final World Cup tune-up: Martínez plans full squad rotation against Nigeria in Leiria

Final preparation test

Portugal will take the field against Nigeria at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday evening, in their final friendly before the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 local time, with Spanish referee Mateo Busquets in charge. The match offers coach Roberto Martínez one last chance to fine-tune his squad before the team flies to Miami on 12 June to set up their training camp. The previous warm-up against Chile ended in a 2-1 victory, but the second half was marred by expulsions on both sides, leaving work to be done.

Martínez's rotation plan

Martínez has been clear: goalkeeper Diogo Costa will play the full 90 minutes, while every other outfield player is set to see game time. "The idea is Diogo Costa to play 90 minutes and all others have minutes," he told journalists. The coach plans to make eleven substitutions over the course of the match, focusing on recovery and individual readiness ahead of the tournament. Only forward Rafael Leão is unavailable due to a physical limitation. For seven squad members, it will be their first appearance of this preparation period. Martínez batted away talk of minimal objectives, after federation president Pedro Proença said reaching the quarter-finals is the baseline target, insisting the team must aim to win every match.

The strength of Portugal is the commitment of all players.

Nigerian respect and challenge

Nigeria's coach Eric Chelle offered high praise, describing Portugal as "one of the great candidates to win the World Cup." He highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo as "the biggest star in the world" and welcomed the test against a side of Portugal's calibre. Chelle believes the encounter will also help his own team continue its progression, especially in terms of physical competitiveness.

Portugal can be world champion in a month.

Trincão's enthusiasm and youthful optimism

Winger Francisco Trincão, the only outfield player not used against Chile, is expected to feature prominently. He expressed excitement about his first World Cup call-up and said he feels in his best form. "We have to believe we can do something beautiful," Trincão said, reflecting the confidence within the camp.

We have to believe we can do something beautiful.

Road to the World Cup

After the Nigeria friendly, Portugal will decamp to Palm Beach, Miami, to establish their base. Their Group K campaign begins on 17 June against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Houston, followed by Uzbekistan on 23 June in the same city. The group stage ends with a clash against Colombia in Miami on 27 June. The 2026 World Cup, the first with 48 teams, runs from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.