At the team send-off ceremony held on 8/6 at the Football Center in suburban Lisbon, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, President Seguro emphasized the immense trust and high expectations the Portuguese people have for the national team.

He stated that the entire nation is focused on the Portuguese team, hoping the players will compete with the utmost spirit to make their championship dream a reality. "The whole country believes in you. Make us dream and bring home the missing trophy," President Seguro said.

President Antonio Jose Seguro presented the national flag to captain Cristiano Ronaldo during the Portuguese national team send-off ceremony ahead of the 2026 World Cup, held at the Football Center on 8/6/2026. Photo: *FPF*.

During the ceremony, Seguro presented the Portuguese national flag to captain Ronaldo, with the symbolic message: "we hope the flag will be raised high after the final match on 19/7."

The Portuguese leader also urged the players to play with unity, for the team, and for national pride, emphasizing the spirit of dedication when wearing the national jersey. He also called on the entire team to play in memory of Diogo Jota, a forward, and Andre Silva's younger brother, who died in a traffic accident on 3/7/2025.

Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), stated that the team carries immense trust and support from fans both domestically and abroad. He emphasized that football is not just a sport but also a symbol of unity, hope, and national spirit.

He affirmed that President Seguro's presence at the ceremony was a special source of encouragement, providing spiritual strength to the entire team before they embark on their 2026 World Cup journey. "We are confident and certain that this year will be Portugal's year," he said.

Captain Ronaldo, along with coaching staff members and players, attended the ceremony, took commemorative photos, and sang the national anthem "A Portuguesa". Coach Roberto Martinez affirmed that the entire team will enter the tournament with a high sense of responsibility, aiming to bring pride to Portuguese fans worldwide.

Portugal has one more friendly match against Nigeria at Magalhaes Pessoa Stadium in Leiria, Portugal, on 10/6 before traveling to the US. At the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo and his teammates are in Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.

According to the Opta supercomputer, Portugal has a 7% chance of winning the championship, trailing Argentina (10,4%), England (11,2%), France (13%), and Spain (16,1%).

Hong Duy (via OJogo.pt)