2026 World Cup: good news for Portugal

Ronaldo and his teammates receive positive update

World Cup 2026 19 June 2026 at 05:29

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2026 World Cup: good news for Portugal

23.06.26 FT World Cup

Portugal

Uzbekistan

After missing the opening match against DR Congo, Rúben Dias rejoined the Portuguese squad led by Roberto Martínez this Thursday.

The Manchester City defender returns from a physical setback that had already kept him off the pitch for nearly two months with the Citizens. The Manchester rock featured in both of Portugal's warm-up friendlies against Chile and Nigeria.

🇵🇹 Rúben Dias wasn't even playing yesterday and still rushed to hug Cristiano Ronaldo at the final whistle. Injured and still the first one there. That is what this squad is built on 🫂🤗 pic.twitter.com/AwRFrbHYD5
— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) June 18, 2026

Now fully fit, Rúben Dias is expected to be available for the next match. Portugal will take on Uzbekistan this Tuesday at 7 p.m. (French time) at Houston's NRG Stadium, Texas, in the second round of the 2026 World Cup group stage.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.