Portugal bets on youth: Neves kept in the squad for World Cup qualifiers despite injury
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez calls up 20-year-old João Neves for World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Ireland and Hungary, despite his recent thigh injury. Neves, a rising star at Paris Saint-Germain, joins a squad featuring returning veterans and key attackers. The announcement comes after a strong Nations League title and a solid start in the qualifying campaign. The two October matches in Lisbon will be pivotal for early qualification.