"We had a very good, very positive training camp. We are adjusting very well to the time zone and working with the humidity and temperature in Miami. The conditions are excellent, and now we are prepared," assured Roberto Martínez, in the pre-game press conference with the Congolese, at NRG Stadium, in Houston, United States.

Portugal ambitions

Regarding Portugal's ambitions in the competition and the 'minimum objective' of reaching the semifinals stipulated by the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Martínez denied any discord with Pedro Proença, despite adopting a much more cautious stance than the leader.

“Dreams drive life, and for us, dreams drive our World Cup. But in this, the coach needs to provide clarity, and he's the annoying one who says that first we only have three games. We all have a dream. But the World Cup is won rationally, and I'm the annoying voice that explains the way,” he said.

Regarding the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first round of Group K, the 52-year-old coach highlighted the “extraordinary” qualifying phase of the African team, the last of the 48 teams to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and admitted he expects difficulties.

“We are talking about a team that eliminated Cameroon and Nigeria. It is a very tactically flexible team and doesn't just know how to defend in a low block. It is a pressing team, and we greatly respect the Democratic Republic of Congo as a team,” said the Spanish coach.

Cristiano Ronaldo presence

Martínez also addressed Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in what will be his sixth World Cup and reiterated that the striker, even at 41, remains decisive for the Portuguese team.

"It's his sixth World Cup, but internally it feels like his first due to the level of intensity and emotional strength he has and transmits. He is our finisher and remains decisive. The numbers prove it," he emphasised.

The national team coach also addressed the 'Americanization' of football during the 2026 World Cup, with hydration breaks, one in each half, changing the way teams are managed during matches.

"Now there are four intervals. It's revolutionary. We need to use this. It's a three-minute period in which we can adjust the team, something we didn't have before. This greatly helps to have contact with the players during the match," he concluded.