Portugal open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Congo DR with a selection call that puts Rafael Leão and Francisco Conceição on the bench. Roberto Martinez has gone with Bernardo Silva and Pedro Neto in the wide attacking roles, alongside Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Martinez backs experience in the attacking line
Portugal line up in a 4-2-3-1, with Diogo Costa behind Cancelo, Tiago Araujo, R. Veiga and N. Mendes. João Neves and Vitinha sit in midfield, while Silva, Fernandes, Neto and Ronaldo make up the attack.
That is the clearest sign of Martinez's choice. He has preferred the more established shape in front of goal rather than starting both Serie A wingers from the off, even though Leão and Conceição are named in the squad.
The numbers attached to the bench pair do not suggest a collapse in form. Leão's last five Serie A ratings average 6.76, while Conceição's last five Serie A ratings average 7.0. Conceição's figure is the stronger of the two, which makes his omission look more like a tactical decision than a simple reaction to form.
Bernardo Silva's last five Premier League and FA Cup ratings average 6.66, giving Martinez another experienced option in the starting attack. That balance, with Silva and Neto starting wide and Ronaldo through the middle, points to Portugal trusting familiarity for their opener.
Congo DR set out with a different shape
Congo DR are set up in a 5-3-2, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and captain Chancel Mbemba in the back line and Yoane Wissa leading the attack. It is a compact setup compared with Portugal's front-heavy 4-2-3-1.
That gives the match a straightforward early question. Portugal have gone for control and experience in the final third, while the bench contains two of their most explosive wide players. If Martinez is looking for width off the bench, Leão and Conceição are the obvious answers when the game opens up.
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