Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez sprung a surprise by leaving key midfielder João Neves out of his starting lineup for Saturday’s crucial 2026 World Cup clash against Colombia, which will determine the winner of Group K. In the build-up to the game, there was no suggestion that the Paris Saint-Germain star had suffered an injury.

Perhaps having realized the error of his ways after a goalless first half, Martínez sent Neves on at halftime for namesake Rúben Neves, who had initially replaced him in the team.

João Neves played the full 90 minutes of Portugal’s opening game against DR Congo, scoring the opening goal in what turned out to be a disappointing 1-1 draw.

He again started in Tuesday’s 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan before being replaced by Bernardo Silva, who has also lost his place in the lineup, after 76 minutes.

Why didn’t João Neves start?

Martínez’s decision to replace the midfielder, who won the Champions League with PSG in May, with Rúben Neves took many fans by surprise.

The omission appeared to be a tactical decision rather than one enforced by fitness concerns.

Who will Portugal play in the round of 32?

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

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