Matheus Nunes
PortugalDefenderManchester CityMatheus Nunes goes into World Cup 2026 as a player asked to protect the box and manage pressure for Portugal. He brings 19 caps and 2 goals into the tournament. Manchester City provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is cross defending, cover behind midfield and clean distribution from the back.
Group K
Jun 17, 2026vs Congo DR - 12:00 PM CDT
Quick Facts
Matheus Nunes and Portugal World Cup 2026 Squad
Portugal selected Matheus Nunes for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a defender, he can stay compact around the box and choose the simple pass when pressure arrives.
Nunes is part of a group of 9 defenders, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Matheus Nunes brings 19 caps and 2 goals into the tournament.
Nunes' senior international timeline dates back to 2021, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- International record: Matheus Nunes enters the tournament with 19 caps and 2 goals for Portugal.
- World Cup 2026 role: Portugal list Matheus Nunes as a defender, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: Portugal face Congo DR, Uzbekistan and Colombia in the group stage.
Playing Style and Strengths
Nunes' World Cup value starts with cross defending, cover behind midfield and clean distribution from the back.
Nunes has to know when to play through pressure and when the safer clearance protects the team.
- Duel timing
- Compact spacing
- Set-piece defending
- First pass out
- Cover runs
- Box protection
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Portugal start against Congo DR on 17 June 2026 in Houston. For Nunes, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Uzbekistan follow on 23 June 2026 in Houston. For Nunes, the second fixture can quickly change the selection picture if the opener leaves Portugal chasing points or protecting workload.
| Kickoff | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 202612:00 PM CDT | Congo DR | Houston Stadium, Houston |
| Jun 23, 202612:00 PM CDT |  Uzbekistan | Houston Stadium, Houston |
| Jun 27, 20267:30 PM EDT |  Colombia | Miami Stadium, Miami |
Dates and kickoff times above are shown in the venue timezone.
Recent Form
Matheus Nunes played 34 Premier League matches for Manchester City in 2025/26, scoring 1 goal and providing 5 assists.
Portugal will read form through actions that show in matches, not reputation alone. Training sharpness, recovery and the scoreline can still decide Nunes' minutes.
Career Stats
Matheus Nunes brings 19 caps and 2 goals into the tournament.
For Portugal, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Nunes' form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Portugal |
| Position | Defender |
| Club | Manchester City |
| Caps | 19 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Born | 27 August 1998 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Matheus Nunes enters World Cup 2026 with Portugal as a defender. The senior record stands at 19 caps and 2 goals. Match role, form and group-stage needs will shape his minutes.
Portugal will judge him through training rhythm before the tournament. The useful signs are duel timing, spacing and the first pass forward.
Portugal start against Congo DR on Jun 17, 2026 in Houston. Uzbekistan and Colombia come next in the group. The match order can affect workload and selection.
FAQ
Is Matheus Nunes in the Portugal World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Matheus Nunes is in Portugal's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Matheus Nunes play?
He is listed as a defender for Portugal.
How many international caps and goals does Matheus Nunes have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 19 caps and 2 goals for Portugal.
Who are Portugal's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Portugal face Congo DR, Uzbekistan and Colombia in the group stage.
When is Matheus Nunes' first World Cup 2026 match?
Portugal start against Congo DR on 17 June 2026 in Houston.
What is Matheus Nunes' latest club form?
He plays for Manchester City in the checked player facts.
More Portugal World Cup 2026 Player Profiles
Explore more Portugal squad profiles, including teammates who can share minutes, supply service or affect the same match plan.
Group K Table
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombia | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | Portugal | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| 3 | Congo DR | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 4 | Uzbekistan | 3 | -9 | 0 |