FIFA World Cup

Fernandes: Portugal Had What It Took to Win the World Cup

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epa13092798 Pedri (R) of Spain in action against Bruno Fernandes of Portugal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match Portugal against Spain, in Dallas, USA, 06 July 2026. EPA/CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF

Portugal playmaker Bruno Fernandes insists the squad arrived at the World Cup believing they had what it took to lift the trophy.

READ: Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms World Cup Farewell After Portugal Exit

Roberto Martínez’s World Cup journey came to a disappointing end as Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Following their exit from the tournament, captain Cristiano Ronaldo brought his extraordinary World Cup career to a close.

Fernandes urged his teammates and supporters not to lose faith, maintaining that this talented Portugal side has the quality to compete with the very best on the world stage.

“Of course we’re sad. We came here with one objective, and that was to win the World Cup,” Fernandes told FIFA.

“There’s no way we can be positive about this, not when we didn’t go all the way. I know Portugal have never won the World Cup, but we always aim high.

“I genuinely believe this group had the quality to win the whole tournament , but we must not lose belief.”