4 hours later…
(GROUP J:)
(Iraq vs Portugal)
(Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico)
(Date: June 29th, 2026)
(Time: 20:00)
After the thriller between Senegal and Czech Republic, it was finally Portugal's turn to go, aiming for 6 points with a second consecutive World Cup win.
As expected, both clubs approached the game with their best starting XI, though Portugal's elicited a bit of doubt if it was actually the best Portugal lineup.
Portugal started in their regular 4-3-3 lineup, Diogo Costa manning the posts, while in front of him sat a defensive quadruple of Joao Neves, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, and Nuno Mendes.
In midfield was the power trio of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Bernado Silva. Bernado may be out of his prime, but Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha were comfortably one of the best midfielders in world football.
The front trio?
