Portugal prepares for World Cup amid high expectations and tribute to Jota
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 12:47 AM
Last updated Jun 14, 2026
Portugal is training in Palm Beach, Florida, ahead of its opening World Cup match against Congo on June 17. Star forward Cristiano Ronaldo leads a squad that is a favorite to win the tournament, though players are focusing on their first game and not the overall outcome. Midfielder Vitinha expressed confidence in the team's talent while also remembering the late Diogo Jota, who was honored by having his name included on a commemorative bracelet gifted by the Prime Minister. The training session took place in hot temperatures, and players are focusing on maintaining hydration.
- •Portugal trains in Florida before World Cup opener against Congo on June 17.
- •Cristiano Ronaldo leads a talented squad aiming for their first World Cup title.
- •Players honored late forward Diogo Jota with commemorative bracelets.
- •Concerns exist about extreme temperatures affecting players during the tournament.
- •Vitinha emphasizes focusing on each game rather than the overall competition.
- 4:17 PMYahoo Sports — Portugal to carry Diogo Jota’s memory into World Cup as they embrace tournament pressure
- 12:47 AMYahoo Sports — Portugal embraces World Cup expectations and carries Jota’s memory into tournament
"Portugal is very aware of the enormous expectations it faces in the World Cup. The squad featuring star forward Cristiano Ronaldo is among the favorites to win the expanded 48-team tournament and hoist its first World Cup trophy, but players are not looking ahead to that point yet. “We have not talked about putting the high pressure on our team,” midfielder Vitinha said through a translator Saturday before Portugal's first training session in the United States.
"Portugal are widely considered to be one of the favourites to win the World Cup
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 4:17 PMPortugal to carry Diogo Jota’s memory into World Cup as they embrace tournament pressure
Portugal are widely considered to be one of the favourites to win the World Cup
- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 12:47 AMPortugal embraces World Cup expectations and carries Jota’s memory into tournament
Portugal is very aware of the enormous expectations it faces in the World Cup. The squad featuring star forward Cristiano Ronaldo is among the favorites to win the expanded 48-team tournament and hoist its first World Cup trophy, but players are not looking ahead to that point yet. “We have not talked about putting the high pressure on our team,” midfielder Vitinha said through a translator Saturday before Portugal's first training session in the United States.
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