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Portugal names squad, honors Jota; Ronaldo heads sixth

6/11/2026

Summary

Martinez Announces

Roberto Martinez announced Portugal’s 27-plus-one World Cup squad and dedicated it to the memory of forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash at age 28.
Martinez said Jota will be the squad’s “light” and inspiration, while Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, heads into his sixth World Cup and maintains a professional example.
Portugal draws Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, with matches set for Houston and Miami.

Summary

Robertson Honors Jota

Andy Robertson received a letter from Diogo Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, thanking him for keeping Jota’s World Cup dream alive as Scotland prepares for first tournament in 28 years.
In his remarks, Robertson dedicated comments to Jota, said the forward was constantly on his mind, and pledged to play “for both of us” throughout the tournament.
A tribute ceremony attended by ECHO representatives honored Jota and teammate João Silva.

History

Historical Context

The 1958 Munich air disaster, which claimed eight Manchester United players on February 6, 1958, shocked global football and reshaped club legacies. Sir Matt Busby oversaw the rebuilding, fielding a squad that finished second in the 1958-59 league with a 73-point total. Today, Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squad and Scotland captain Andy Robertson echo that remembrance, dedicating their 2026 World Cup bids to fallen forward Diogo Jota. Such tributes reinforce football’s enduring culture of honoring deceased players, prompting federations to embed memorials in future tournaments and fan rituals.

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Martinez Announces

Roberto Martinez announced Portugal’s 27-plus-one World Cup squad and dedicated it to the memory of forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash at age 28.
Martinez said Jota will be the squad’s “light” and inspiration, while Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, heads into his sixth World Cup and maintains a professional example.
Portugal draws Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, with matches set for Houston and Miami.

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