Portugal among title favourites at World Cup 2026
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias brings experience, leadership and winning mentality
Portugal will face Congo DR, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K
One more season, two more trophies. Ruben Dias will head to the having swelled his glittering haul of major honours thanks to a domestic cup double with Manchester City.
The centre-back has been an integral part of a serial winning machine at City since joining the club in 2020. It is a mentality Dias has brought to the national team, and he helped his country clinch their second UEFA Nations League title last year.
The 29-year-old now has international football’s most-coveted prize in his sights and, as the World Cup races into view, Dias is primed and ready.
“Personally, I feel really good physically and mentally,” says Dias, who speaks throughout our interview with the authority and assurance so evident in his defending. “It's going to be my third World Cup, and it's always an exciting moment for the country, for all of us.
“I know the vibe when you're in a World Cup. I know how special it is for the players, for the fans, for our families, for our country. It's just a joy and a unique experience. I feel like this one is going to be a special one. For a long time, everyone's been waiting for it to happen.”
Portugal’s dazzling array of attacking talents may steal the headlines, but with Dias at the heart of their backline, they can call upon one of the most accomplished defenders in world football.
Powerful, dominant in the air and positionally outstanding, he provides security and strength for both club and country. Dias has the medals to match his ability, and has won 12 trophies in just six years with City. A ferocious competitor, he explains how the club has provided an ideal environment for him to flourish.
“There’s a will to win in every game, in anything that we do. It's the mentality of the club. That’s the players, the coaching staff, directors, the physios, the chefs... Everyone here wants to win. Obviously, this past season, we won two cups, but we want more. That's the type of place where I want to be. That's the place that drives me; that's the place that makes me feel full. That feeling is still there, the feeling that everyone is in this mission together.”
City will embark on that mission with a new coach at the helm following the departure of Pep Guardiola after ten glorious years.
“He's obviously been very influential, for the club, and for every one of us individually,” says Dias. “An era has ended, a new era will begin soon. We're obviously appreciative of everything that’s been done, but also excited and looking forward for the future.”
Dias’ close friend Bernardo Silva has also left City, but the pair will continue to link up with Portugal. The defender believes having such close bonds in the squad serves to strengthen the collective.
“It makes a difference,” he says. “We've got a great environment going on in our national team, and it's made by these little connections everyone has, and then we bring it together. But, obviously, Berni has always been very special to me. We spent six years together at Man City, and those six years were unique.
“We'll forever share these great memories together. We did it to the fullest of what we could have done. I believe we both feel the same way when saying that we consider each other as someone very special. Now, we have a very special moment [at the World Cup] to enjoy together.”
Portugal will begin their World Cup campaign on 17 June when they take on Congo DR at Houston Stadium. They will face Uzbekistan at the same venue six days later before rounding off their group campaign with a mouthwatering Miami showdown with Colombia on 26 June.
Just a year out from their Nations League triumph – achieved with back-to-back victories over Germany and Spain – optimism is high in the camp.
“I feel like in every competition we've gone through, we've been progressing,” says Dias. “We have many quality players. Also, we have a lot of players playing at the best level of football – that comes with dealing with the pressure, knowing what that pressure feels like.
“Still, every new competition is a new beginning. For me, the most important thing is when you first encounter some difficulties. Those will shape you for whatever's left in the competition. The way you react will start, little by little, to tell you how far can you actually go.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has described Dias as being “a coach on the field”, owing to his organisational qualities and tactical awareness. Does he feel like one of the team’s leaders?
“I feel like naturally time has made it that way,” replies Dias, who has won 74 caps for his country. “Also, who I am as a person and as a player. Even though I don't think I'm that old, I am one of the oldest of the squad now, and also one of the most experienced.
“I feel like it will be a joy to go through a World Cup in that position. I'll try, like all the others, to share our best knowledge in order to help us win.”
Portugal’s captain at the global finals, of course, will be the great Cristiano Ronaldo. Observing the legendary striker at close quarters, Dias reveals, has also helped to shape his leadership style.
“Most certainly, I have learned from him and many others, like Pepe, when he was with the national team. You're always learning, especially when it comes to someone like him [Ronaldo]. The experience of football and life he's had means he is definitely someone to look up to. You try to drink every little drop of knowledge you can.”
Dias, Ronaldo and Co are aiming to achieve sporting immortality by becoming the first Portugal team to win the World Cup. The nation’s best result so far was in 1966 when Eusebio spearheaded their charge to a third-place finish.
Asked if there is belief that Portugal can go all the way in North America, Dias responds: “I feel like more than a belief, there's an ambition to do so. We have our feet well on the ground. We know how difficult it is and how much we will have to work for it.
“The feeling [of belief] will have to grow with the competition, with the feeling of confidence after every game, after every step, after every difficulty. So, we're humble about it, but we're more ambitious than ever.”
Sources: FIFA Official
