Bernardo Silva Dropped by Portugal vs Colombia as Martinez Chooses Neto and João Félix

Who: Bernardo Silva and Portugal. What: Silva has been left out of the starting XI for Portugal's final group-stage match against Colombia. When: the match kicks off on 27 June 2026 at 23:30 UTC. Why it matters: with the top spot in the group still available, Roberto Martinez's decision to bench one of Portugal's most trusted midfielders is a clear tactical gamble that could shape Portugal's progression and Silva's role in the tournament.

Why it matters

Martinez's selection alters Portugal's balance in a decisive group game. According to the report, the coach has prioritised a more direct attacking approach, choosing the pace of Pedro Neto and João Félix on the flanks over the more possession-oriented profile Bernardo Silva offers. With group position and momentum at stake, this is a high-profile tactical change that could influence both match dynamics and squad selection decisions for the knockout phase.

Martinez's tactical reshuffle

The World Soccer Talk piece says Martinez has moved to a double pivot in midfield using PSG's Vitinha and João Neves in deeper roles, leaving only one advanced central slot that has gone to Bruno Fernandes. That structure, the report adds, pushed Silva out to a wide role — and ultimately onto the bench — because Martinez wants more direct, speedy wide options to stretch Colombia's defence.

The report also highlights Silva's recent standing under Martinez: a long-time regular through Euro 2024, the 2025 Nations League and qualification, and the Manchester City captaincy during the 2025–26 season. Despite that pedigree, the tactical priority in this match is pace on the wings via Neto and João Félix rather than Silva's style of play.

Silva's tournament minutes so far

World Soccer Talk reports that Silva started Portugal's opening match — a 1-1 draw with DR Congo — but has been on the bench for the last two match selections, including logging just 14 minutes in the game against Uzbekistan. Against Colombia he is once again named among the substitutes.

• Match: Colombia vs Portugal, FIFA World Cup — kickoff 27 June 2026, 23:30 UTC (match status: Not started).
• Manager: Roberto Martinez has preferred Pedro Neto and João Félix on the wings over Bernardo Silva.
• Midfield setup: report says Vitinha and João Neves form the deeper double pivot, with Bruno Fernandes in the advanced central role.
• Silva's tournament so far: started the opener (1-1 vs DR Congo) and had limited minutes against Uzbekistan (14 minutes), per the source.
• Club context: Silva captained Manchester City during the 2025–26 season, according to the report.

How this affects Portugal's game plan

By selecting quicker, more direct wingers, Martinez appears to be shifting Portugal toward a plan that aims to stretch Colombia's defence and create chances in transition. That reduces the role for a controlling, creative central presence like Silva in the starting XI and signals a willingness to change personnel in high-stakes matches.

Portugal's final group match against Colombia is presented as the decider for the top spot in the pool. Martinez's choice will be judged by the result and by how effective the wing pairing of Neto and João Félix are at creating openings while the double pivot controls the centre.

What happens next

The immediate test is the Colombia game on 27 June at 23:30 UTC (match status: Not started in the supplied match data). If Martinez's more direct approach succeeds, Silva may remain a bench option used for control or creativity later in matches; if it does not, Martinez could revert to a setup that includes Silva in future games. The official Portugal lineup at kickoff should be checked for confirmation of starting personnel.