Portugal national football team

Mens national football team.

The Portugal national football team, commonly known as A Seleção (The Selection) or Os Navegadores (The Navigators), represents Portugal in international football competitions. It is governed by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), the governing body for football in Portugal. The team is a member of UEFA in Europe and FIFA in global competitions. The team's colors, red and green, are derived from the Portuguese flag. They are colloquially referred to as the Quinas (Shields) after the Portuguese coat of arms depicted on their crest.

Since their first official match in 1921, Portugal has established itself as a major force in international football. At the World Cup, Portugal's best performance came in 1966 when they finished third, led by the legendary Eusébio. They have qualified for eight World Cup tournaments, reaching the semi-finals in 2006 and the round of 16 in 2018 and 2022. In the European Championship, Portugal achieved their greatest success by winning the tournament in 2016, defeating hosts France in the final.

The team has produced some of the greatest players in football history, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the records for most international appearances and goals. Other notable players include Luís Figo, Rui Costa, and more recently, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva. Portugal's style of play has evolved over the years, from a defensive approach to a more attacking and possession-based game under recent managers.

Portugal's success in recent years has been remarkable. In addition to their Euro 2016 victory, they won the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019. The team has consistently ranked among the top teams in the FIFA World Rankings, reflecting their status as a football powerhouse. Their passionate fan base and the iconic red and green colors have become synonymous with Portuguese football culture.