Portugal begins 2026 World Cup campaign in Houston
The Portuguese national team has officially debuted in the 2026 World Cup, facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Houston. High-ranking Portuguese officials, including Assembly of the Republic President José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, attended the match as the team begins its Group K campaign.
Update: Portugal draws 1-1 against DR Congo in World Cup opener
Portugal failed to secure a win in their opening match, drawing 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Coach Roberto Martínez acknowledged the team lost intensity after taking the lead, while player João Cancelo admitted the result felt like a defeat.
José Pedro Aguiar-Branco is the President of the Assembly of the Republic, Portugal’s parliament, elected to the post in 2024. A lawyer from Porto and a senior PSD figure, he previously served as Minister of Justice and as Minister of National Defence.
Roberto Martínez is the current head coach of the Portugal national football team, a position he has held since January 2023. A Spanish professional football manager, he previously led the national teams of Belgium and several English club sides including Everton and Wigan Athletic.
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