A pivotal warm‑up
The Portuguese national team is set to meet Nigeria in a high‑stakes friendly that will serve as the final dress rehearsal before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, 10 May at 8:45 pm BST, will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on Amazon Prime Video, giving fans a last glimpse of Martínez’s preparations.
Portugal arrives in the fixture on the back of two convincing victories: a 2‑1 win over Chile and a 2‑0 triumph against the United States. Those results have reinforced confidence in Martínez’s tactical adjustments and have left the squad eager to maintain momentum.
Coach Roberto Martínez will field a near‑full lineup, with four Paris Saint‑Germain players joining after their Champions League commitments. Midfielder Matheus Nunes, who has recovered from illness, is back in full training, while full‑back Nuno Mendes and midfielders João Neves and Vitinha are also available. Striker Gonçalo Ramos and defender Diogo Costa are expected to feature for the entire 90 minutes, providing stability between defense and attack.
The only notable absentee is Rafael Leão, who serves a suspension that will keep him out of the encounter. Veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to start on the bench, allowing younger talent to gain valuable minutes. Martínez has indicated plans to rotate the side heavily, using the match to experiment with formations and assess fitness levels ahead of the tournament.
The game will kick off at 8:45 pm BST on 10 May, and supporters in the UK can watch the action live on Amazon Prime Video. With a blend of experienced faces and emerging prospects, Portugal’s final friendly against Nigeria promises to be a telling indicator of their World Cup readiness.