Klinsmann names Portugal World Cup 2026 favourite, compares Ronaldo to Messi

Jurgen Klinsmann has named Portugal among his favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying on The Overlap podcast that Cristiano Ronaldo plays a role in the side similar to Lionel Messi’s in Argentina. The former Germany striker gave his view on June 9, 2026, highlighting Portugal’s team quality and coach Roberto Martínez — a timely intervention as debates over tournament favourites intensify in the days before the competition.

Why it matters

Klinsmann’s opinion matters because of his standing in the game — both as a former World Cup winner with Germany and a high-profile coach — and because his assessment places Portugal in the same bracket as perennial contenders. His comparison to Argentina’s 2022 side frames Portugal not just as a team with a star, but as one structured around and rallying behind that star, which has implications for how opponents might approach them in tournament play.

Klinsmann’s reasoning: Ronaldo as the focal point

On the podcast, Klinsmann said: “Portugal, because I see a little bit similarities to Argentina in Qatar, where everybody played for Messi. In Portugal, everybody plays for Ronaldo. Cristiano is fully supported by this incredible team.” He argued the support around a superstar, combined with a strong coach and squad depth, makes Portugal a realistic contender.

Other nations Klinsmann rates

Klinsmann also named Brazil and England among teams with a shot at the title. He said Brazil “has also a shot at it,” and added England have “absolute quality” if they have the belief. He made a light joke referencing shared nationality with Thomas Tuchel when discussing England’s coach situation.

Context: Portugal and coaching

Klinsmann singled out Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martínez, as part of the reason for optimism, calling him “a very very good coach.” The source cites Martínez’s role in organising a squad that Klinsmann believes is capable of supporting a marquee player at the centre of the side’s game plan.

Recent Argentina context

Klinsmann’s comparison draws on Argentina’s recent high-profile tournament success and public perception of a team built around Lionel Messi. As a nearby data point, Argentina beat Iceland 3-0 in an international friendly that finished on June 10, 2026, showing the national side’s continuing form in pre-tournament fixtures (match_data).

• Klinsmann named Portugal among his World Cup 2026 favourites, comparing Ronaldo’s central role to Messi’s in Argentina (World Soccer Talk, June 9, 2026).
• He praised Portugal’s squad quality and coach Roberto Martínez (World Soccer Talk).
• Klinsmann also mentioned Brazil and England as leading contenders (World Soccer Talk).
• Argentina beat Iceland 3-0 in an international friendly that finished on June 10, 2026 (match_data).

What it means

Klinsmann’s verdict adds to the public narrative that Portugal should be seen among the tournament contenders. His focus on a star-supported team under a respected coach frames Portugal as more than just Cristiano Ronaldo individually; it is the wider squad and management he sees as giving Portugal a genuine chance. For fans and analysts, the comment reinforces interest in Portugal’s pre-tournament preparations and how opponents will plan to counter their collective structure around Ronaldo.