Portugal announced its lineup for the World Cup group encounter against Colombia on 27 June 2026. Rafael Leão was left out of the team. Bernardo Silva and Nelson Semedo also missed out. The coach said the changes came because Silva’s role has shrunk.
In the match Cristiano Ronaldo scored, becoming the oldest ever World Cup scorer. Portugal kept the lead and held on to win. Leão stayed on the bench. When the final whistle blew he ran to his teammates and joined the celebration of the record.