Martinez’s decision to keep faith with Ronaldo, now 41, feels entirely in character. For all the noise that always follows Portugal’s squad lists, the coach has generally preferred continuity, leadership and players he trusts in tournament football.
There is logic to that approach.
The report also suggests Martinez leaned hard into versatility, with several players able to cover multiple roles. In a long tournament, that flexibility can matter as much as star power.
The strongest part of Martinez’s message was not tactical. It was personal. He reportedly described the selection as “27 players plus one”, a tribute to Jota.
Martinez also said losing the forward had been “an unforgettable and very difficult moment,” before adding that Jota’s “spirit, strength and example are the +1 and will always be the +1”.
That is the kind of line that changes the tone of a camp. Portugal may arrive with technical quality and tournament know-how, but they may also carry a shared sense of purpose.
The update says Portugal begin their Group K campaign against DR Congo in Houston on 17 June, then stay there to face Uzbekistan on 23 June before meeting Colombia in Miami on 27 June.
Before that, the focus appears to be on sharpening the squad and managing the long travel demands of the tournament. The next thing to watch is whether Martinez’s blend of loyalty, balance and emotion can turn a talented squad into a genuinely convincing World Cup side.