Portugal bets on youth: Neves kept in the squad for World Cup qualifiers despite injury

Overview

In a bold move reflecting high confidence in a young talent, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez included midfielder João Neves in the squad for World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Ireland and Hungary, announced on Thursday.

Neves, 20, arrived despite a recent thigh muscle injury that forced him to withdraw at the last moment from PSG's Champions League win over Barcelona in Montjuïc. He joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for a record €60 million from Benfica and quickly became a midfield staple for the French club.

Injury and turning point

Neves’ latest injury—an issue with the hamstring/back thigh—came after a brief lay-off in September and had him sidelined for about two weeks. Still, medical reports indicate he will continue treatment through the week, and Martinez chose to take a risk by including him in the squad.

The call-up sends a clear message: Martinez views Neves as a vital engine for the national team, especially with several regulars fatigued or rotating out of duty.

Squad context and returnees

The Portugal camp also features three notable returns: Nelson Semedo from Fenerbahçe, Matheus Nunes from Manchester City, and Rafael Leão from AC Milan. Semedo, 31, rejoined the group after more than a year of injuries, while Nunes adds midfield depth, and Leão provides attacking flair up front.

Neves has shone since joining PSG in 2024, with 3 goals and 4 assists in Ligue 1 during the 2025-2026 season and a standout showing in European competition. His presence alongside stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, and Bernardo Silva gives Martinez a wealth of options in midfield and attack.

Upcoming clashes and squad balance

The 26-man squad balances experience with youth, featuring veterans in defense such as Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, and Gonçalo Inácio, and a dynamic forward line including Leão, Ronaldo, Félix, and Trincao. Portugal sits atop Group F with six points from two games after a 5-0 win over Armenia and a dramatic 3-2 victory against Hungary, continuing a strong recent run after clinching the Nations League title in June 2025.

The two October matches take place on Oct. 11 and Oct. 14 at Estádio António de Oliveira Salazar? Actually Alvalade in Lisbon, a crucial test for early qualification to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Ireland, coached by Hammar Hallgrímsson, sit third with one point after a 2-2 draw with Hungary. Hungary also have one point after losing to Portugal, and they will rely on a potent attack led by Dominik Szoboszlai to threaten the Portuguese defense.

Portugal’s lineup reflects a balanced mix of Europe-based stars and young talents ready to shoulder responsibility as they chase a return to the World Cup stage. The full 26-player squad includes goalkeepers Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, and Rui Silva, defenders including Dalot, Semedo, Mendes, Dias and Inácio, midfielders such as Palhinha, Neves, Vitinha, Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Pedro Gonçalves, and forwards Ronaldo, Félix, Trincao, Conceição, Pedro Neto and Leão, among others.

Punchline 1: If injuries were players, they’d be the ones you forget to sub in—Neves just earned a crucial cameo. Punchline 2: Portugal’s engine room just got a software update—Neves is the new CPU in midfield, and the fans hope the lag is fixed.