Did Portugal break the FIFA's strict World Cup 2026 rules by naming a 27+1 squad? Here's what the actual rulebook say

At a time when all other 47 teams announced their 26-member roster for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez grabbed headlines by announcing a 28 names in the travelling party - more precisely “27+1” - with Cristiano Ronaldo embarking on a record sixth appearance.

At a first glance, it would seem that 2006 semifinals are going into the United States, Mexico and Canada with 28 players, despite FIFA's strict limit of maximum 26 players for all participating nations. But if looked minutely, Martinez named 27 players.

Even then, the arrangement looked unusual for many, sparking a confusion among the fans whether Ronaldo and Co. have been granted a exemption. The real story carries a deep emotional significance. Martinez's "+1" is none other then former Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who passed away last year in a car accident, along with his brother Andre Silva.

In his 49 matches for Portugal, Jota scored 14 international goals, and would have been one among Martinez's squad in the FIFA World Cup 2026 if alive. While discussing his World Cup 2026 squad, Martinez explained Jota's inclusion, calling the departed soul, "he is our strength, our joy."

"Losing Diogo was an unforgettable and very difficult moment, but the very next day it was up to all of us to fight for Diogo's dream and for the example he always set in our national team," Martinez had said.

Why Portugal named 27 players instead of 26?

Upon checking at the FIFA website, Portugal's World Cup 2026 squad is listed with 26 players with three mandatory goalkeepers as Martinez complied with FIFA's rule of maximum 26 players. The confusion arose with the inclusion of an additional player travelling with the squad - fourth-choice goalkeeper Ricardo Velho.

Despite not being in the official squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Velho travelled with the Portugal side to North America as the 27th member of the side. The 27-year-old, who plays for Genclerbirligi Ankara is fully integrated into the camp and is training day in and out with the team.

However, Velho will be not be seen in Portugal's official team sheets and is completely seen as an emergency reserve. If one of Portugal's three goalkeepers gets injury, Velho will be drafted in the squad formally under FIFA's goalkeeper replacement provisions.

Thus, Portugal haven't done anything against FIFA's rules and are adhering to the strict guidelines. As a result, Portugal are physically travelling with 27 players but have 26 officially.

What does the FIFA's rulebook say?

According to FIFA's rulebook for 2026 World Cup, article 24.1 says that, "Each Participating Member Association shall provide FIFA with a final release list of at least 23 players up to a maximum of 26 players (at least three of whom shall be goalkeepers) and up to 27 team officials (hereinafter “final release list”) by the deadline stipulated in the relevant circular letter. This final release list shall contain only players who were named on the provisional release list.

“Any exception must be approved by FIFA. A signed copy of the final release list shall also be sent to FIFA by the same deadline. All information requested online about the players should be duly completed.” Portugal are placed in Group K, along with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. Portugal start their campaign against Congo on June 17.

Get all updates from FIFA World Cup 2026 here, along with FIFA World Cup 2026 Complete Schedule and FIFA World Cup 2026 Points Table.