Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias has declared that Portugal carry genuine ambition into the FIFA World Cup 2026 — alongside the humility to understand what that target demands.

Speaking to FIFA.com, Dias reflected on the growth of Roberto Martinez's squad, pointing to landmark victories over Germany and Spain on the way to claiming the UEFA Nations League as proof that Portugal belong among the contenders for football's greatest prize.

Building confidence with every step

"I feel like in every competition we've gone through, we've been progressing," Dias said. "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."

The Manchester City defender acknowledged that no competition can be approached with complacency. "Still, every new competition is a new beginning. For me, the most important thing is when you first encounter some difficulties. Those will shape you for whatever's left in the competition. The way you react will start, little by little, to tell you how far can you actually go."

Ambition beyond belief

Portugal's finest World Cup moment remains a third-place finish at the 1966 tournament, where the legendary Eusebio led their charge. Asked whether the squad genuinely believes it can go all the way in North America, Dias was direct.

"I feel like more than a belief, there's an ambition to do so," he said. "We have our feet well on the ground. We know how difficult it is and how much we will have to work for it. The feeling will have to grow with the competition, with the feeling of confidence after every game, after every step, after every difficulty. So, we're humble about it, but we're more ambitious than ever."

Portugal's group-stage schedule

Portugal open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on 17 June against Congo DR at Houston Stadium. They return to the same venue six days later to face Uzbekistan, before a headline clash with Colombia in Miami on 26 June brings their group stage to a close.