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Portugal national football team

The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in men's international association football and is governed by the Portuguese Football Federation.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in men's international association football and is governed by the Portuguese Football Federation. It has won major international honours including UEFA Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

History

Portugal’s national team began competing in the early 1920s and developed into one of Europe’s strongest sides over time. Its modern era is marked by major tournament success, especially from the mid-2010s onward.

Major achievements

Portugal won its first major international title at UEFA Euro 2016. It later added UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

Governance and identity

The team is administered by the Portuguese Football Federation and competes under the UEFA confederation. Common nicknames include Seleção das Quinas and Lusos.

Players and records

Cristiano Ronaldo is the team captain and holds the records for most caps and most goals. He is also one of the most prominent figures in the team’s history.

Key facts

  • Portugal’s men’s national team has represented the country in international football since 1921.
  • The team is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation and is a member of UEFA and FIFA.
  • Its major titles include UEFA Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo is the team’s all-time leader in appearances and goals.
  • The team’s home matches are played at various stadiums rather than one fixed venue.
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Canadian context

Portugal is followed by Canadian soccer fans through major men’s international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro, and the Nations League, including players with club ties to European leagues watched in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Portugal national football team?
It is Portugal’s men’s international football team, representing the country in official competitions.
Who coaches Portugal?
According to the provided sources, the head coach is Roberto Martínez.
Who is Portugal’s captain?
Cristiano Ronaldo is listed as the captain.
What are Portugal’s biggest titles?
Portugal has won UEFA Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
What is Portugal’s FIFA code?
Portugal’s FIFA code is POR.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal_national_football_team
    Supports: Nickname(s), association, confederation, head coach, captain, most caps, top scorer, FIFA code.
  2. FIFA World Cup News — https://www.fifaworldcupnews.com/portugal-national-football-team/
    Supports: Team history, establishment in 1921, first official match, Euro 2016, Nations League titles, and current coach/captain claims.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/_/id/482/portugal
    Supports: Team overview and current competition context.
  4. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.com/portugal/startseite/verein/3300
    Supports: Federation details and founding date of the Portuguese Football Federation.
  5. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/teams/110--portugal/squad/
    Supports: Official UEFA team page and competition context.