Portugal’s squad gathered at Cidade do Futebol just outside Lisbon, with five-time world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo 🌟⚽ leading the charge at age 40. The session marks their first training since the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash alongside his brother André Silva in Spain earlier this month 💔.
The team honored Jota’s memory with a moment of silence before diving into drills—passing sequences, set-piece practice and finishing routines—all designed to sharpen their game ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Next up: a trip to Yerevan to face Armenia on September 6, then on to Budapest for a showdown with Hungary on September 9. With the tournament set for next summer in the USA, Canada and Mexico, Portugal is eager to defend its Nations League crown and punch its ticket to the big stage ✈️🌎.
Under Ronaldo’s unwavering leadership, this generation of players aims to blend experience and youth, honoring fallen teammate Diogo Jota while chasing victory on the road to World Cup 2026.
Reference(s):
Cristiano Ronaldo trains with Portugal ahead of World Cup qualifiers
cgtn.com
