Portugal is heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 26 players on the roster and one more in their hearts. The team has dedicated their entire tournament campaign to Diogo Jota, the Liverpool forward who died in a car crash on July 3, 2025, at age 28.
The tributes taking shape in North America
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro gifted wristbands to every member of the squad before the tournament. Each wristband is inscribed with both the individual player’s name and Jota’s, a quiet but constant reminder during every training session, every match, every moment.
The team unanimously agreed to wear them throughout the tournament.
Portugal’s coaching staff went further. Jota has been posthumously designated as the honorary “27th man” on the roster. FIFA World Cup squads carry 26 players. Portugal is carrying 27.
