Madrid, Spain – Spanish newspaper “Marca” has unveiled the background regarding João Félix’s absence from Portugal’s lineup in their opening 2026 World Cup match against DR Congo. The paper confirmed that the decision was a tactical choice made by head coach Roberto Martinez, in a game that ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, sparking widespread questions within sports circles.
Martinez’s Tactical Stance
The newspaper explained that the Portuguese coach made a firm tactical decision to rely on other elements in the attacking line, opting to keep Félix on the bench for the entire match. This decision triggered significant confusion, especially since the Portuguese attack struggled, and the team seemed in dire need of the creative solutions that Félix could have provided.
Crowded Offensive Ranks
According to the report, Félix currently sits low in Martinez’s pecking order compared to players such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Pedro Neto. The offensive competition is further intensified by the presence of Rafael Leão and Francisco Conceição, all vying for starting spots, making it difficult for Félix to secure a regular place in a side that is still searching for its tactical balance.
Divided Opinions on the Decision
The exclusion of Félix has divided opinion among experts and former legends. Ricardo Quaresma criticized the move, stating the player deserves more opportunities, while legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel questioned the reasoning behind excluding influential offensive players, given Portugal’s wealth of attacking talent.
Expectations for the Next Match
Despite the previous decision, the report suggests that Félix’s exclusion was likely tied to technical considerations regarding wing speed and team cohesion. With Portugal needing to refine its offensive performance, there is a strong expectation that Félix will be granted a larger role in the upcoming match against Uzbekistan to inject more vitality into “A Seleção’s” performance in the tournament.
