Bernardo Silva paid the price for Portugal’s lackluster performance against DR Congo in their opening group game of the 2026 World Cup. The new Real Madrid signing dropped to the bench for Tuesday’s win over Uzbekistan and remains there for Saturday’s game against Colombia, which will decide which nation tops Group K. Bernardo’s absence is tactical, with no suggestion of an injury.

João Félix is again one of three players, alongside Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Neto, supporting Cristiano Ronaldo in attack. Against Uzbekistan, the former Real Madrid superstar broke a 10-game goal drought with Portugal in major tournaments, scoring twice.

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Bernardo Silva pays the price, João Neves surprise

Bernardo’s omission against Uzbekistan perhaps should not have come as a huge surprise, as he was replaced at halftime by head coach Roberto Martínez in the disappointing draw with DR Congo. Francisco Conceição, rather than Félix, who remained on the bench for the full game, replaced Silva on that occasion.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder João Neves has surprisingly been left out by Martínez, with Rúben Neves starting against Colombia in his place.

Who will Portugal play in the round of 32?

A victory for Portugal against Colombia would see them top Group K, which would set up a round-of-32 game against Ghana. A defeat will almost certainly see them go through in second place, in which case they would face Croatia.

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