Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Portugal-Chile, likely lineups

The countdown to Portugal’s 2026 World Cup debut set for June 17 against DR Congo enters the final stages. This Saturday night at 7:45 p.m., the Lusitanian national team will take the field at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor in Lisbon to face Chile, the big outcast from the World Cup after finishing last in the South American group. Completely opposite situation for the Portuguese, as the selection led by Roberto Martínez will be at the starting tapes among the big favorites for the final victory, being able to rely on the timeless leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo and on a top-level squad full of established champions and young talents.

Roberto Martínez will field a very offensive team. In front of Diogo Costa, the defensive line features Rúben Dias and Inácio in the middle, supported on the outside lanes by Dalot and Cancelo. The midfield is made up of Rúben Neves and Samuel Costa, tasked with dictating the pace, while on the three-quarter the trio Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Leão will provide support for the immovable captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Córdova responds with a specular lineup. Vigouroux will defend the posts, protected in the center by Lichnovsky-Maripán, while Sierralta and Suazo will man the flanks. In the midfield, Pizarro and Loyola will act as screens in front of the defense, leaving Gutiérrez, Osorio and Sepúlveda to invent in the three-quarter and trigger the lone striker Tapia.

Probable formations

Portugal (4-2-3-1): D. Costa; Dalot, Ruben Dias, Inacio, Cancelo; Ruben Neves, S. Costa; Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Leao; Cristiano Ronaldo. Coach Roberto Martinez.

Chile (4-2-3-1): Vigouroux; Lichnovsky, Maripan, Sierralta, Suazo; Pizarro, Loyola; Gutierrez, Osorio, Sepulveda; Tapia. All. Cordova Nicolas.