Rafael Leao
PortugalForwardAC MilanRafael Leao goes into World Cup 2026 as a player who can change the final third for Portugal. He brings 43 caps and 5 goals into the tournament. AC Milan provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is transition runs, finishing positions and the press from the front.
Group K
Jun 17, 2026vs Congo DR - 12:00 PM CDT
Quick Facts
Rafael Leao and Portugal World Cup 2026 Squad
Portugal selected Rafael Leao for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a forward, he can turn transition moments into shots while still working without the ball.
Leao is part of a group of 8 forwards, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Rafael Leao brings 43 caps and 5 goals into the tournament.
Leao's senior international timeline dates back to 2021, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- International record: Rafael Leao enters the tournament with 43 caps and 5 goals for Portugal.
- World Cup 2026 role: Portugal list Rafael Leao as a forward, 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
Leao's World Cup value starts with transition runs, finishing positions and the press from the front.
On the ball, Leao needs the first touch to keep shooting or crossing lanes alive.
- Clinical finishing
- Penalty-area movement
- Near-post runs
- Pressing angles
- Center-back duels
- Rebound reactions
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Portugal start against Congo DR on 17 June 2026 in Houston. For Leao, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Uzbekistan follow on 23 June 2026 in Houston. For Leao, 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
Rafael Leao played 29 Serie A matches for AC Milan in 2025/26, scoring 9 goals and providing 3 assists.
Leao's latest checked appearance came on May 24, 2026, with 22 minutes in AC Milan versus Cagliari.
Career Stats
Rafael Leao brings 43 caps and 5 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 Leao's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Portugal |
| Position | Forward |
| Club | AC Milan |
| Caps | 43 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Born | 10 June 1999 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Rafael Leao enters World Cup 2026 with Portugal as a forward. The senior record stands at 43 caps and 5 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 movement, finishing and pressing from the front.
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 Rafael Leao in the Portugal World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Rafael Leao is in Portugal's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Rafael Leao play?
He is listed as a forward for Portugal.
How many international caps and goals does Rafael Leao have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 43 caps and 5 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 Rafael Leao's first World Cup 2026 match?
Portugal start against Congo DR on 17 June 2026 in Houston.
What is Rafael Leao's latest club form?
He plays for AC Milan 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 |