Portugal's Ruben Dias. File picture
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Portugal star Ruben Dias spoke on his side's FIFA World Cup aspirations, saying that the team is "humble but more ambitious than ever".After a double of the FA Cup and EFL Cup this season with Manchester City, Ruben will be representing Portugal in his third FIFA World Cup.The centre-back has been a vital part of Man City's trophy-winning machinery since 2020, and has brought this mentality to his national side by playing a crucial role in clinching the UEFA Nations League title last year.The 29-year-old has eyes set on the most prestigious prize in all of football and claimed that he feels really good physically and mentally."It is going to be my third World Cup, and it is always an exciting moment for the country, for all of us," said Ruben as quoted by FIFA's official website."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 is just a joy and a unique experience. I feel like this one is going to be a special one. For a long time, everyone has been waiting for it to happen," he added.Just a year after the Nations League triumph, a trophy they secured with back-to-back wins over Germany and Spain, a sense of optimism is at an all-time high within the camp."I feel like in every competition we have gone through, we have been progressing," said Ruben. "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," he added..Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has described Dias as a player who is a "coach on the field", due to his organisational qualities and tactical brilliance. He feels that it would be joyous to go into the tournament as one of the team's most experienced stars and share his best knowledge to help the team win..Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing his sixth World Cup, eyeing a title he has never won. "Most certainly, I have learned from him and many others, like Pepe, when he was with the national team. You are always learning, especially when it comes to someone like him [Ronaldo]. The experience of football and life he has had means he is definitely someone to look up to. You try to drink every little drop of knowledge you can," he said. Published - June 06, 2026 12:20 am IST
