Bruno Fernandes has overtaken Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal’s most important player with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Portugal are one of the 48 countries competing at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Manager Roberto Martinez is expected to select two Manchester United players for his Portugal squad at the tournament, including Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.
However, before the World Cup kicks off in June, Fernandes and Dalot will be focused on securing Champions League qualification for United. They have seven games left to play in the Premier League until World Cup fever really kicks in.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes playing for Portugal
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Bruno Fernandes Ballon d'Or Talking points graphic.
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Portugal rely on Bruno Fernandes more than Cristiano Ronaldo
During the March international break, Fernandes captained Portugal for the first time. The result was a stalemate against Mexico, but it showed how Martinez considers the playmaker among his leaders, with Ronaldo and Man City’s Bernardo Silva both absent.
Portugal struggled to score against Mexico, though the reason for that doesn’t simply stem from Ronaldo’s unavailability. Not having the five-time Ballon d’Or winner didn’t stop Portugal from scoring nine goals against Armenia in the previous match, with Fernandes scoring a hat-trick.
There is more than enough evidence to show that Portugal are no longer as reliant on Ronaldo. That is why, at the age of 41, it will be a very different World Cup for the former United star.
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Ronaldo had greater responsibilities in previous tournaments because he was among the best players in the world. That hasn’t been the case for a few years. On top of that, it’s likely to be his final World Cup tournament.
Portugal’s highest scorer of all-time will remain idolised in Portugal, but to give his nation the best chance of success this summer, Ronaldo must finally realise it’s not all about him.
United captain Fernandes has taken the reins as Portugal’s most important player. The 31-year-old has been Martinez’s primary source of momentum throughout the qualifying campaign.
Fernandes scored three goals and registered one assist in five qualifying matches. He missed one game against the Republic of Ireland, which Portugal surprisingly lost 2-0 in Dublin.
The strongest argument for Fernandes being a more important player for Portugal right now is sustainability. Ronaldo won’t cover the same distance on the pitch, and Fernandes will be the main creative spark in the team this summer.
It can be argued that while Ronaldo is among the greatest of all time, Fernandes is the most important Portuguese player right now.
Ronaldo needs the team to function for him to score goals; the team needs Fernandes to function at all.
Ricardo Quaresma names Bruno Fernandes as best midfielder going to the World Cup
Former Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma believes Fernandes is the best midfielder going to the World Cup this summer.
This shows how much people are expecting of Fernandes at the tournament.
Speaking to GOAL USA, Quaresma said Fernandes was the best midfielder and that Ronaldo is the greatest goalscorer going to the tournament.
Quaresma also praised Portugal goalkeeper Diego Costa for his penalty-stopping ability.
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Kobbie Mainoo playing for England against Uruguay
Photo by Alex Davidson – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Who does Portugal face at the 2026 World Cup?
Portugal have been drawn against DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia in the group stages at the 2026 World Cup.
They will take on DR Congo in their first match on July 17.
Portugal will then face Uzbekistan before their final group game, and arguably the most difficult, against Colombia.
United fans will be keeping a close eye on how Fernandes and Dalot perform throughout the tournament.
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