Cristiano Ronaldo’s star teammate Vitinha makes bold claims about Portugal’s 2026 World Cup chances

Vitinha has become one of Portugal‘s cornerstones next to it Christiano Ronaldowith the national team becoming one of the few to lift silverware in 2025. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder gave a bold assessment of Portugal’s chances at the tournamentwhich will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

After playing a limited role on the 2022 World Cup, Vitinha has emerged as a key figure since Roberto Martínez took over as Portugal’s head coach. Following the UEFA Nations League victory over Spain in 2025, the Selection has gained recognition as one of the strongest teams heading into the next World Cup, a belief Vitinha openly embraced.

In an interview with MarkingWhen asked Vitinha whether he thinks winning the World Cup is realistic, the midfielder left little doubt: “Naturally! Portugal has a very strong national team and we are among the contenders, although there are other excellent teams among the favorites. Anyway, we have to try to win everything again with PSG. We have to keep pushing, keep growing and improving every day. And also try to win the World Cup.”

The PSG star also reflected on what he described as a “unforgettableseason ended with the Nations League title. “With the national team, my teammates also feel capable of repeating a season as unforgettable as this one. We know it is very, very difficult, but if we stay on the same path and remember what led us to success, we will try to do it again. There are many factors and details that determine whether or not you achieve this”, he added.

Heading into the Nations League Final Four, Portugal topped the group before facing a demanding two-legged quarter-final against Denmark that was decided in extra time. Ronaldo’s team was then defeated Germany 2-1 in the semi-finals and won Spain (the current number 1 team in the FIFA rankings) in the final via a penalty shootout.

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Vitinha concluded by highlighting a key element that he believes will be crucial for both Portugal and PSG. “This year we have shown tremendous work ethic, and that deserves a lot of credit. but I am also clear that we had some luck at key moments, and we will need that again. Yet happiness comes from hard work, and at PSG we will work again to achieve this”, said the Portuguese star.

Vitinha named best midfielder of 2025

Vitinha had a major breakthrough during the 2024-2025 season, winning every domestic trophy in France, along with the UEFA Champions League. As part of that recognition at the Globe Soccer Awards held on Monday, he was named Best Midfielder of 2025.

When asked if he feels sufficiently recognized on an individual level, Vitinha was candid: “Yes, especially this year I really felt it. I know that 2025 was the year of my real confirmation, in which I noticed recognition from everyone. But I think I had had really good seasons before that, even if they didn’t have that much visibility.

“Ultimately, people recognize my work and I am very happy with that, because that is also important to me.Vitinha decided as he finished third in the Ballon d’Or election and seventh in FIFA’s The Besta ranking usually dominated by forwards, the Globe Soccer Award finally added an individual honor to the Portuguese midfielder’s trophy cabinet.