In recent years, Portugal has become a nation that has normalised producing talents, rather than sporadically relying on a core of the golden generation of players.
As Roberto Martinez’s squad lands in North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he will boast having a squad that boasts a good blend of youth as well as experience being offered by the likes of the legendary captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
As part of our ongoing series documenting some of the most exciting youngsters ready to make a mark for their respective nations at the upcoming World Cup, Striver.Football handpicked three true under-24 stars that could be useful tactical solutions built to alter the destiny of matches on the world’s biggest stage, and perhaps, help Portugal and Ronaldo to their first-ever World Cup crown.
3. Renato Veiga (Villarreal)
Age: 22
Position: Left-Back / Center-Back / Defensive Midfield
Style: Renato Veiga is an absolute physical specimen who functions as a tactical Swiss Army knife.
Veiga, who joined Villareal on a permanent basis from Chelsea in 2025 after a spell out on loan at Juventus, boasts an imposing physical frame with rare technical flexibility, allowing him to step seamlessly into a midfield double-pivot, slot into a back-three, or invert from a traditional fullback role.
Veiga will serve as Roberto Martinez's security blanket. His ability to defend isolated large spaces while possessing the technical security to progress play under a high-intensity press gives Portugal unparalleled in-game flexibility.
2. Francisco Conceicao (Juventus)
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Style: Like his father Sergio Conceicao back in his playing days, junior is an agent of pure, unadulterated chaos on the right flank.
Also known as "Chico", the 23-year old is a throwback inverted winger who plays with an explosive, relentless verticality, utilising a devastating burst of acceleration and sharp close control to completely unbalance defensive lines.
Conceciao will be a valuable option for Martinez especially coming off the bench, as his ability to isolate his man one v one out wide, forcing them into panic mode while at the same time, using his pace to make vertical runs into the box will be key to helping Portugal out especially against low-block setups.
1. Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
Age: 21
Position: Central Midfield
Style: As we highlighted in our 10 wonderkids at the World Cup to be on the lookout for piece, Joao Neves is a midfield conductor who plays with the calculating serenity of a 35-year-old veteran.
Having seamlessly translated his Seixal and Benfica academy roots to the elite demands of Ligue 1, Neves dominates central zones through a low center of gravity, impeccable scanning rhythm, and flawless press-resistance.
Off the ball, he is a transition demon, capable of relentless counter pressing which helps his sides win the ball back quickly, before using his vertical passing range to unleash passes to pacey attackers.
Alongside fellow PSG man Vitinha, Neves will act as the tempo controlling hub for Os Navegadores. His unique three-in-one capability to break up the play, spray vertical passes forward and at the same time, keep things ticking will lay a platform for Portugal’s explosive frontline to generate goalscoring chances.
Can Portugal's New Generation Deliver World Cup Glory?
Portugal’s hopes of clinching the 2026 World Cup will rely mostly on a core of players aged between 25 and 29, but the three U-24 players picked for the tournament will also play a huge part in ending their long wait for the World title.
Thanks to the versatility of Veiga, the press-resistant baseline of Neves, and the raw chaos of Conceicao will ensure that Roberto Martínez will hold all the cards.
