Rafael Leão Scare and Rúben Dias on the Sidelines in Portugal's First Training

PALM BEACH GARDENS — The clock read 6:45 PM local time (11:45 PM in Portugal) as the National Team stepped onto the pitch at The Gardens headquarters, kicking off their preparations for the 2026 World Cup on American soil. If anyone expected a light, decompression session after the long transatlantic journey, Roberto Martínez and the players delivered a resounding 'no'.

Portugal's first training session in North America was marked by its demanding and intense nature, making it clear that the squad is already in competition mode and focused on their opening clash against DR Congo, scheduled for Wednesday.

However, the high tempo brought with it the first major scare of this Florida campaign. During one of the small-sided games, a noticeably tougher tackle on Rafael Leão sent a chill through the stands, where 250 community fans and over a hundred international journalists were gathered.

The AC Milan winger remained on the turf, immediately raising concerns among the technical and medical staff. Fortunately, the scare quickly passed: after a swift assessment and a few seconds to catch his breath, Leão rose and rejoined training without limitations, dispelling fears of an early injury.

The most significant note from the session, therefore, turned out to be Rúben Dias's absence from the main group. The Manchester City defender was the only player not to work directly under Martínez's orders, instead undertaking individualized training completely separate from the squad. The defender ran and performed specific exercises on an adjacent pitch, in an area strategically closer to the activation and recovery tent set up by the FPF. This is a controlled physical management, at a time when the coach has 26 fully fit and integrated athletes at the start of these preparations.

Beyond the sporting dynamics, the team's greatest ally on this first day was the strategic choice of timing. At 6:45 PM, the climate in Palm Beach Gardens underwent a noticeable transformation: the heat was no longer as suffocating as it had been throughout the day, offering players a reprieve with a breeze that made the physical demands far more bearable. Excellent news for the squad's performance levels as they launch into their quest for glory.