Jarrod Bowen and El Hadj Malick Diouf appear to have a spot at the 2026 World Cup nailed down, though the same cannot be said – not yet anyway – for West Ham United’s Portugal hopeful Mateus Fernandes.
Last year, shortly before completing his £40 million move from Southampton to West Ham United, national team coach Roberto Martinez confirmed the ex-Sporting Lisbon starlet was in his sights.
Between then and now though, three international breaks have come and gone without Mateus Fernandes even securing a place in Martinez’s squad.
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West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium on February 10, 2026 in London, United Kingdom.
If he is to feature at the 2026 World Cup, then, Portugal’s upcoming double header against co-hosts Mexico and the USA feels like… well, if not quite ‘last chance saloon’, then the bell is certainly ringing for last orders.
West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes must be in Portugal’s plans
Fernandes was made Portugal’s Under-21 captain in September. He has started and starred in four of their last five matches, including an 11-0 obliteration of Gibraltar.
In order to make the transition from the youth side to the senior team, though, Fernandes will seemingly have to overtake Joao Palhinha, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves and Pedro Goncalves in Martinez’s pecking order.
Mateus Fernandes during Portugal v Azerbaijao - UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifying
Photo by Sergio Mendes/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Obviously, Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes and Man City veteran Bernardo Silva are as safe as houses. Ditto princely PSG playmakers Vitinha and Joao Neves.
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But, apart from a lack of international or tournament experience, it is difficult to think of too many reasons why Fernandes cannot look at Palhinha, Goncalves and co and feel they are ripe for an ousting.
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Palhinha has been ruled out of Tottenham’s rather moot Champions League last-16 second-leg tie with Atletico Madrid. His place in Martinez’s roster for the spring internationals is, therefore, doubtful.
Matheus Nunes has not started a single game in central midfield for Man City this season, meanwhile; the latest versatile midfielder to be converted into a full-back by Pep Guardiola.
Former Wolves skipper Ruben Neves may arrive somewhat undercooked from Saudi Arabia. Sporting talisman Goncalves missed the November break through injury but has also never started a game for his country.
Martinez will select his squad on Friday, March 20. If Fernandes is not on the list – following a stellar season in Europe’s most high-octane, high-profile competition – he could consider himself extremely hard done by.
In terms of other midfield alternatives, Dario Essugo has played only 155 minutes for Chelsea in 2025/26. Renato Sanches, now at Panathinaikos, is never far away from a muscle twinge. A 32-year-old Andre Gomes is winding down his career in the MLS.
So while Fernandes remains behind Bruno, Silva, Vitinha and Joao Neves, the role of fifth or sixth-choice central midfielder does appear at least somewhat ajar.
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West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Sunderland at London Stadium on January 24, 2026 in London, England.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Fernandes admits World Cup is ‘a goal I’ve set myself’
Palhinha, one of those most at risk by his compatriot’s emergence, is the most defensively-minded operator at Martinez’s disposal. But, while a box-to-box number eight by nature, Mateus Fernandes is statistically West Ham’s best ball-winner.
Fernandes produced a ‘superb’ tackle on Phil Foden in the dying embers of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Man City.
A midfield triumvirate of Matty Fernandes, Vitinha and Joao Neves – behind Bruno Fernandes – could therefore offer Martinez the perfect blend of tenacity and technical skill.
Speaking recently, West Ham’s number 18 admits he dreams of a World Cup berth.
“[A World Cup place] is a goal I’ve set for myself. It was one of the objectives I set at the start of this season, to maintain the consistency required to be among those selected for the World Cup,” the Algarve-born Fernandes told DAZN.
“I believe our national team is currently one of the best in the world. The quality of the squad is undeniable.
“Therefore, it is up to me to demonstrate quality and consistency, and to prove that I can add something to the team.”
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