Martínez Explains Starting XI: "Tomás Araújo and Renato Veiga Have Incredible Potential"

Portugal's national team coach, Roberto Martínez, previewed the Seleção's opening match at the 2026 World Cup against DR Congo, speaking less than an hour before kickoff.

"There's a feeling of excitement, of being ready. We had a good preparation period, and the players are focused. Today is the day we've been waiting for. The starting eleven? It's a mix. I can say that the preparation period was so good that I believe many players are ready to start games. It's about using a good blend of experience. It's important to have Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes in the lineup. DR Congo has a flexible back five, with players who possess individual skill. There are players on the bench who can make an impact," he told Sport TV, explaining the choices of Tomás Araújo and Renato Veiga as the central defensive pairing. Rúben Dias is out.

"The second half against Nigeria confirmed to me that they are ready. They have incredible potential, but they are already the present of Portuguese football. They've had the examples of Pepe and Rúben Dias. They deserve to be here. Their strengths complement each other," he noted, admitting the difficulty in choosing between Bernardo Silva, João Félix... and others: "Félix is ready to start the game, as are Francisco Conceição and Rafael Leão. It's a matter of the opponent and what we need to do."

Regarding his appearance alongside Pedro Proença, president of the FPF, he commented: "It's natural, the president is with us."