Fernandes: This generation can be the best team in Portugal's history

Bruno Fernandes has said this Portugal squad can end up being the nation’s best ever if it wins the World Cup.

The Manchester United midfielder was speaking before Portugal’s match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston, where he said the players are allowed to dream but must stay focused on the next step. Portugal open their campaign this week.

Fernandes also spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo, saying many of the squad grew up watching him and now have the chance to play alongside him. He added that Ronaldo appears nervous too, calling the tournament a World Cup for Portugal as much as for the forward.

Fernandes praised Congo as a strong side, saying their ranking does not reflect the quality in the squad. He said they are physical, defensively solid and dangerous on the break.

He ended by paying tribute to Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in July 2025, and said the former Portugal forward remains part of the group in spirit.