Bruno Fernandes

United players called up by Portugal

Thursday 10 November 2022 17:33

Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo have been confirmed as being in Portugal's squad for the 2022 World Cup.

Selecao boss Fernando Santos announced his 26-man selection on Thursday afternoon, with Portugal looking forward to matches in Group H against Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea, starting from 24 November.

For Ronaldo, it's a fifth World Cup, an achievement matched by only four players previously.

Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Marquez (both Mexico) and Germany's Lothar Matthaus all played at a quintet of tournaments, while legendary Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was an unused substitute in 1998, before featuring at the 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014 finals.

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Cristiano is in line to set a new World Cup record with Portugal, after being selected in Fernando Santos's squad.

Ronaldo, who became the all-time record men's international scorer last year, is targeting another record in Qatar as he looks to become the first player to score at five separate World Cups.

While Fernandes is off to his third senior tournament with Portugal, having appeared at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, Dalot has been selected for a first World Cup after a great start to the season with United.

The 23-year-old, who has played six times for Portugal since making his debut at the Euros, has started every one of Erik ten Hag's 19 competitive games in charge at Old Trafford.

Fernandes, meanwhile, remains a pivotal figure for the Reds and has also played an important part in helping Portugal qualify for this tournament, scoring a brace in Porto as Santos's side defeated North Macedonia 2-0 in March's play-off final.

GROUP H FIXTURES

24 November (16:00 GMT): Portugal v Ghana
28 November (19:00 GMT): Portugal v Uruguay
2 December (15:00 GMT): South Korea v Portugal

CONFIRMED WORLD CUP SQUADS: