Every step of Portugal’s route to the World Cup 2026 final as Cristiano Ronaldo chases history

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Portugal will head to the 2026 World Cup dreaming of finally lifting football’s biggest prize for the first time.

The tournament will also represent Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance to win the one major honour that has eluded him throughout his legendary career.

Roberto Martinez’s side know their group-stage opponents, but their route to the final will depend on where they finish in Group K.

Portugal as Group K winners

If Portugal win Group K, a round-of-32 tie against one of the strongest third-placed teams would probably be followed by a meeting with Switzerland in the last 16.

This could set up a blockbuster quarter-final against Argentina, while England or Brazil are currently the favourites to await in the semi-finals.

A showdown with European champions Spain or 2018 World Cup winners France could be on the cards in the final should Martinez’s side go the distance.

Portugal as Group K runners-up

Should Portugal advance as Group K runners-up, they could be handed one of the most difficult routes to the final.

Croatia are the projected first knockout opponents, with Spain potentially awaiting in the last 16 and Belgium in the quarter-finals.

France or Germany could then stand in Portugal’s way of reaching the final, where England or Brazil are the likeliest contenders from the opposite side of the draw.

Portugal as Group K’s third-placed team

If Portugal scrape through to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, England would be the projected round-of-32 opponents.

A victory would then set up a potential last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico, with Brazil awaiting them in the quarter-finals.

Portugal would likely face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the semi-finals and either Spain or France in the final at MetLife Stadium.

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