2026 World Cup: Diogo Jota's Parents to Attend Portugal's Opener

Joaquim and Isabel Silva, parents of the late Diogo Jota, who passed away almost a year ago, are set to attend Portugal's opening match at the 2026 World Cup against DR Congo. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed the news on Wednesday.

The invitation came directly from the FPF, allowing the parents of the former player to witness the game live in Houston. The match is scheduled for 12:00 PM local time (6:00 PM in Lisbon). On Tuesday, Joaquim and Isabel Silva were received by FPF President Pedro Proença and also had the opportunity to speak with the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, and Portugal's Ambassador to the United States, Francisco Duarte Lopes.

This gesture is another way the national team will honor the former forward. As the FPF noted in an official statement, another tribute involves a "bracelet that all members of the National Team have decided to wear during the World Cup," which features "the name of the former number 21 of the 'Seleção das Quinas'."

It was on July 3rd of last year that 28-year-old forward Diogo Jota, who played for Liverpool, and his 25-year-old brother André Silva, a Penafiel player, tragically lost their lives in a road accident on the A52 in Cernadilla, Zamora, Spain.

The National Team is placed in Group K of the World Cup. Following their clash with DR Congo, Portugal will face debutants Uzbekistan on Tuesday, also in Houston, at 6:00 PM. They will conclude the group stage on June 28th at 12:30 AM against Colombia in Miami.