Nélson Semedo

Nélson Semedo is a right-back in Portugal's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, listed in Roberto Martínez's defender group alongside Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Matheus Nunes, Renato Veiga and Tomás Araújo. The Fenerbahçe full-back is 32 at kick-off, had 48 senior Portugal caps as of 16 November 2025, and had not scored for the national team by that date.

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 topped UEFA Group F to qualify on 16 November 2025, and Semedo's place in the final 26 was confirmed when the squad was announced on 19 May 2026, with Uzbekistan and Colombia following later in the group.

Semedo is primarily a right-back and can also operate as a right wing-back. That keeps his style tied to width on Portugal's right: supporting the attack when the ball is secure, then recovering into the channel when possession turns over.

Portugal's 4-2-3-1 and 71.0% qualifying possession point to a side that spends long spells on the ball. Semedo stays on the defensive side of that picture: 48 caps, a place in Roberto Martínez's defender group, and a right-sided role rather than a goalscoring one.

Portugal sit in Tier 2 of Goal Rush at £24m within the game's £200m card budget. Group K — DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia — sets the early fixture window, with Portugal coming in as UEFA Group F winners under Roberto Martínez.

For Semedo, this is a defender-led contribution rather than a scoring case. He had zero Portugal goals as of 16 November 2025, so the £24m pick remains a Portugal team card first; Semedo adds right-sided width and defensive cover.