João Félix

João Félix is a confirmed forward in Portugal's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on 19 May 2026, named by Roberto Martínez alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Francisco Trincão and Francisco Conceição in the forward group. The Al-Nassr attacking midfielder is 26 at kick-off and brings 52 senior Portugal caps and 12 international goals, as of 1 April 2026, into the tournament, making this his second senior World Cup after Qatar 2022.

Portugal face DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K, opening against DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston on 17 June. Martínez's side won UEFA Group F to qualify on 16 November 2025, with NRG Stadium hosting two of Portugal's three group fixtures.

Félix is a highly skilful and technical player, with creativity, finishing, touch on the ball, dribbling, vision and precise passing. His primary position is attacking midfielder, but he has been deployed as a striker, second striker or winger across his career, and his 12 international goals as of 1 April 2026 fit a forward who steps forward when the shape allows it.

His playing style has invited comparisons with Kaká and the Benfica playmakers Rui Costa and João Pinto. In Martínez's possession-heavy 4-2-3-1, Félix's role in the forward group leans on chance creation and arrival in the final third from the half-spaces.

Portugal sit in Tier 2 at £24m within the game's £200m card budget — a second-tier call rather than a premium top-band slot. The Group K draw against DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia frames the early fixture window, with Martínez's 4-2-3-1 and the UEFA Group F qualifying run setting the team-slot context.

Félix gives Portugal's £24m forward slot a versatile creator-finisher. Across striker, second-striker and winger roles he carries 12 international goals plus two assists from a 6-1 win over Switzerland — direct contribution that pays off when Martínez fields him.