Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal’s World Cup squad were given a clear mission before departing for North America this week: bring home the one major trophy the nation has never won.At a farewell ceremony held at the Cidade do Futebol on Monday evening, Portuguese President António José Seguro met Roberto Martínez’s squad before their departure to the United States and handed captain Cristiano Ronaldo a Portuguese flag with a symbolic instruction attached to it.The flag, Seguro explained, is meant to be carried onto the pitch after the World Cup final on July 19.“Bring to Portugal the trophy we lack”Addressing the players ahead of their departure, Seguro expressed confidence that Portugal could achieve something unprecedented by becoming world champions for the first time.“The country believes in you. Make us dream and bring to Portugal the trophy we lack. We will all be cheering for you. I believe that, with your enthusiasm, strength, resilience, talent and hard work, this is possible. Today, I symbolically hand over the national flag, so that everyone can carry it on July 19th. It will be the sign that we succeeded and that the dream has become a reality and you are champions again, but this time, world champions.“The ceremony served as Portugal’s official send-off before the squad’s departure on June 12. Martínez opted for a later journey to North America in order to maximise the team’s final preparations and training sessions at home before the tournament begins.
Tribute to Diogo Jota
While speaking to the delegation, Seguro also paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota, whose death in a car accident in July 2025 continues to resonate deeply within Portuguese football. The emotional tribute came as Portugal prepare to travel with a 27-man squad, often referred to within the national team setup as “27+1,” a reflection of the belief that Jota’s memory remains part of the group and will accompany them throughout the tournament.He urged the players to carry the former Liverpool forward’s memory with them throughout the tournament.“Play for each other, work for each other, play and work in memory of our Diogo Jota as well. I want you to know that, more important than anything, is the joy and pride of wearing the national team jersey.”The Portuguese president reminded the players that they would be backed not only by supporters at home but also by Portuguese communities across the world.“The Portuguese people who live in Portugal, the Portuguese people scattered around the world, and many others who identify with our spirit and enthusiasm will be cheering for you,” he said.“In a tournament of this magnitude, one also faces many difficulties and demands, but it is there that the fiber and soul of being Portuguese is shown. At that time, millions of people in every corner of the world will be cheering for you and giving you their full support.”
Ronaldo presents jersey as gifts are exchanged
The ceremony also featured an exchange of gifts that highlighted the significance of the occasion.Through the hands of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, Seguro received an official Portugal national team jersey personalised with his name. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença also presented the president with a commemorative bust depicting the national team shirt.Proença used his speech to underline the responsibility and expectations accompanying Portugal into the tournament.“The national team is about to embark on a very demanding challenge, but it does so with the confidence of knowing that it has the support of the entire country. Your Excellency’s example, dedication, and spirit of public service are an inspiration to our team. Just as in the exercise of the highest state functions, football also demands love, commitment, and a sense of mission.”The FPF chief also described football as a source of “identity, cohesion and hope” and reiterated his belief that Portugal could finally achieve World Cup glory.Roberto Martínez: “Our team will give everything for Portugal”Speaking on behalf of the entire delegation, Martínez thanked the president for attending and said the squad understood the responsibility of representing millions of Portuguese supporters.“Your presence here represents the unity of all Portuguese people around our team and gives us even more strength for the challenges ahead. Our team will give everything for Portugal and will take to the field with the responsibility of carrying the dreams of millions of Portuguese people.”The event concluded with Seguro, Proença, Martínez and all 27 members of Portugal’s travelling squad posing for an official photograph before joining together to sing A Portuguesa, the country’s national anthem.
Portugal’s World Cup schedule and travel plans
Portugal are scheduled to depart for the United States on June 12 and will establish their World Cup training base in Palm Beach, Florida.Portugal have been drawn in Group K and will play all three group-stage matches in the United States:
- June 17: Portugal vs DR Congo, Houston
- June 23: Portugal vs Uzbekistan, Houston
- June 27: Portugal vs Colombia, Miami
The match against Colombia will be Portugal’s final group-stage fixture, and Proença revealed during the ceremony that Seguro is expected to attend the game in Miami to support the team in person.As Portugal prepare for another World Cup campaign led by Cristiano Ronaldo, the message from the country’s president could not have been clearer: the nation believes this squad has what it takes to return home with the one trophy Portugal has never won.
