Vitinha: Portugal are World Cup aspirants, not favorites

Portuguese midfielder Vitinha believes his national team possesses the talent to be a World Cup contender but cautioned against labeling them as the outright favorites. "I would say we are title aspirants, we have a very strong team, but we are not favorites; I wouldn't use those words," Vitinha stated during a press conference.

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I would say we are title aspirants, we have a very strong team, but we are not favorites; I wouldn't use those words.

Speaking from Portugal's training base in Palm Beach, Florida, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder highlighted the team's exceptional quality. "We know we have a national team of the highest quality, with a lot of talent and players who play for the best clubs in the world. I would even say we have never had a national team like this. But that means nothing in theory," he added.

Vitinha stressed the importance of humility and a game-by-game approach. "The key is humility, going game by game, thinking about the near future and not too much about the long term," he explained, asserting that the team has the necessary potential to succeed.

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The key is humility, going game by game, thinking about the near future and not too much about the long term.

Portugal, who have enjoyed a golden decade with victories in the UEFA European Championship (2016) and the Nations League (2019 and 2025), are seeking their first World Cup title. They will kick off their tournament journey on Wednesday in Houston against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Group K. The team received a warm welcome upon arriving in the United States, expressing pride in representing their country.

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We know we have a national team of the highest quality, with a lot of talent and players who play for the best clubs in the world. I would even say we have never had a national team like this. But that means nothing in theory.