Mundial 2026: Tomás Araújo and Samu Costa Shine in Martinez’s Atlanta Lineup

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 31, 2026 7:43 PM ET

Mundial 2026: Tomás Araújo and Samu Costa Shine in Martinez’s Atlanta Lineup

Atlanta, United States — Filmogaz.com reports from Atlanta on 31 March 2026. Roberto Martínez reshuffled Portugal’s side for a friendly against the United States. Two defenders and a midfielder earned clear votes of confidence.

Tomás Araújo and Samu Costa start the match. Both players aim to strengthen their World Cup cases. The friendly serves as final preparation for Mundial 2026.

Starting XI and setup

José Sá takes the goalkeeper spot and will collect his fourth cap. The back four features Diogo Dalot on the right and João Cancelo on the left. Gonçalo Inácio and Tomás Araújo form the central pairing.

Vitinha partners Samu Costa in midfield. Bruno Fernandes returns as captain and plays behind striker Gonçalo Ramos. Pedro Neto and Francisco Trincão provide width on the wings.

Player notes

Tomás Araújo completed the entire second half in the Mexico friendly.
Gonçalo Inácio did not play in Mexico but starts here.
Vitinha also featured for a full second half in the previous match.

Bench, substitutions and debut chances

Ricardo Horta starts on the bench despite not playing against Mexico. Martínez expects to use multiple substitutes. He announced seven changes at half-time.

Rúben Neves and João Félix are set to be among the halftime introductions. Paulinho, Gonçalo Guedes, and Pedro Gonçalves may also feature. Mateus Fernandes and Ricardo Velho wait for potential first senior caps.

Match details and context

The friendly kicks off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 19:07 local time. That is 00:07 in Lisbon on Wednesday. German referee Sven Jablonski will officiate the game.

Portugal last played the United States on American soil in Chicago, 1992. That friendly ended in a 1-0 defeat for Portugal. The Atlanta match is part of final preparations for the June World Cup.

Mundial 2026 will run from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Portugal will compete in Group K with Uzbekistan and Colombia. Their remaining group opponent will come from the DR Congo vs Jamaica intercontinental play-off.

Filmogaz.com coverage highlights Mundial 2026 and Tomás Araújo and Samu Costa as key names in Martínez’s Atlanta lineup. The coach aims to finalize his World Cup squad during these tests.