Explained: Why Portugal are taking a ’27+1′ World Cup squad despite FIFA’s strict 26-man limit | Football News
Portugal’s World Cup squad announcement attracted attention for more than one reason. When Roberto Martinez unveiled his travelling party for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s inclusion naturally dominated headlines as the 41-year-old prepared to embark on a record-extending sixth World Cup campaign. Yet it was another detail that quickly sparked confusion among supporters: Martinez’s description of Portugal travelling with “27 players plus one.”At first glance, it appeared Portugal were taking a 28-player squad to a tournament where FIFA regulations limit all participating nations to a maximum of 26 registered players.The unusual arrangement has led many fans to wonder whether Portugal have been granted a special exemption. The reality is slightly more complicated, and it also carries deep emotional significance following the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota last year.
Portugal have not actually broken FIFA’s rules
Despite widespread discussion surrounding Portugal’s squad size, Roberto Martinez has not submitted a 27-man squad to FIFA.The official World Cup regulations remain unchanged. Every one of the 48 participating nations is permitted to register a maximum of 26 players for the tournament, and Portugal have complied with that requirement.Martinez’s official list contains the standard 26 players allowed under FIFA rules.
Portugal’s players sing the national anthem before an international friendly soccer match between Portugal and Chile in Oeiras, outside Lisbon, Saturday, June 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The confusion stems from the presence of an additional player travelling with the squad.
Why Ricardo Velho is travelling as the 27th player
Fourth-choice goalkeeper Ricardo Velho will travel to North America alongside the Portugal squad despite not being included on the official FIFA list.Speaking at Cidade do Futebol while announcing his selections, Martinez confirmed that Velho would remain with the group throughout the tournament.The Genclerbirligi Ankara goalkeeper will train alongside Portugal’s registered squad members and be fully integrated into the camp. However, he cannot appear in matches or be included on official team sheets under normal circumstances.His status is essentially that of an emergency reserve.If one of Portugal’s three registered goalkeepers suffers an injury during the tournament, Velho could then be formally added to the official squad in accordance with FIFA’s goalkeeper replacement provisions.As a result, Portugal will physically travel with 27 players while still adhering to FIFA’s official 26-man limit.No other nation has adopted a similar arrangement for the tournament.
Martinez says Portugal are travelling with ’27 players plus one’
The squad announcement also carried a deeper emotional message. Martinez repeatedly referenced Diogo Jota, who died alongside his brother Andre Silva in a car accident in northern Spain last July.Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal and scored 14 international goals during an international career that included Nations League triumphs in both 2018-19 and 2024-25. Portugal’s victory over Spain in the latter final proved to be his final appearance for the national team.While discussing his World Cup squad, Martinez explained that he sees Portugal’s travelling group as more than just the 27 players making the journey.“He is our strength, our joy,” Martinez said of Jota.“Losing Diogo was an unforgettable and very difficult moment, but the very next day it was up to all of us to fight for Diogo’s dream and for the example he always set in our national team.”Martinez then revealed why he considers the squad to contain one additional symbolic member.“Diogo Jota’s spirit, strength and example are the plus one and will always be the plus one.”For that reason, the Portugal manager described the group as consisting of “27 players plus one” rather than simply 27 players.
Ronaldo leads Portugal’s quest for history
Beyond the unusual squad setup, Portugal arrive at the tournament carrying major ambitions.Martinez’s side are chasing the first World Cup title in the country’s history and will once again be led by Ronaldo, who becomes one of the defining stories of the competition simply by taking part at 41 years old.Portugal head to North America after completing their final preparations, including a 2-1 friendly victory over Chile courtesy of goals from Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes. They also recorded a 2-0 win over the United States and played out a goalless draw against Mexico during their warm-up schedule.Their Group K campaign begins on June 17 against DR Congo in Houston before further matches against Uzbekistan on June 23, also in Houston, and Colombia on June 27 in Miami.While Portugal’s squad announcement initially appeared to suggest a breach of FIFA regulations, the reality is far simpler. The official list remains capped at 26 players, Ricardo Velho travels as an emergency reserve goalkeeper, and Martinez’s reference to “plus one” serves as a tribute to Jota’s enduring place within the national team.In practical terms, Portugal are following FIFA’s rules. In emotional terms, however, Martinez believes his squad will always contain one extra member.
