With the World Cup in North America looming on the horizon, the footballing world is abuzz with storylines, rivalries, and emerging stars. Portugal, a perennial powerhouse, finds itself at the center of several compelling narratives—ranging from the tug-of-war over a Premier League prodigy to the leadership of Bruno Fernandes, and even a recent humbling at the hands of Ireland that has set tongues wagging across Europe.
One of the most intriguing sagas involves 18-year-old Wolves forward Mateus Mane. Born in Barreiro, Portugal, but raised in England from the age of eight, Mane has caught the attention of both the Portuguese and English football federations. Having made seven appearances for England Under-18s since October 2024, Mane’s international future is the subject of intense speculation. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is a known admirer, and sources indicate he plans to approach Mane about joining the senior Portuguese squad after the World Cup—if the young striker can be persuaded to switch allegiance.
England U21s boss Lee Carsley is also keeping a close eye on Mane, who has become a rare bright spot in a dismal season for Wolves. The Wanderers, currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and 17 points adrift from safety, are almost certain to be relegated. Yet, in the midst of this struggle, Mane has shone. He became Wolves' youngest ever goalscorer during their first win of the season against West Ham United, a moment he described with infectious enthusiasm. "I can't believe it, it's what I've worked for, the first goal and win this season and we just need to keep working on it," Mane told reporters. "It's amazing hearing the fans singing my name and having our backs, even when we are not performing at our best."
The young forward didn’t stop there. In the very next match, he netted an equalizer against Everton, proving his knack for delivering in crucial moments. Mane’s rise has been meteoric: after making his debut under Vitor Pereira in 2024 during a 2-0 defeat by Brighton, he has flourished under current manager Rob Edwards. His full debut came at Anfield in December, and since then, he has started the last 11 league games, tallying 17 appearances this season.
The rules governing international allegiance add yet another layer to the drama. FIFA allows players who have only featured at youth level to switch national teams, regardless of the number of appearances, provided they haven't played a competitive senior match. A 2021 update even permits players with up to three senior caps before the age of 21 to switch. England has benefited from these provisions before, with high-profile cases like Declan Rice and Jack Grealish. Portugal hopes to do the same with Mane, but England is determined not to let him slip away.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s preparations for the World Cup have not been without their bumps. In November 2025, the team suffered a shock 2-0 defeat in Dublin at the hands of Ireland—a result that sent ripples through the footballing community. Ireland’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, dominating a Portuguese side brimming with talent. The victory, which booked Ireland’s ticket to the World Cup play-offs, is now part of Irish football folklore. As one observer put it, the win over Portugal "will not be quickly forgotten."
The aftermath of that match continues to resonate. On a recent episode of Stick To Football, Roy Keane couldn’t resist ribbing Portugal manager Roberto Martinez about the loss. When Gary Neville asked Martinez which national team he’d most like to manage at the World Cup, Keane interjected, "That's easy! It's Ireland, because Ireland beat Portugal in one of the group matches. I know ye had a backup game, Armenia was coming up at home." The banter between Keane and Martinez was light-hearted, with both men recalling their shared history as Premier League managers and as colleagues during Martinez’s time as Ireland’s assistant boss. Keane joked about Everton players often arriving injured for international duty, quipping, "I always felt the Everton players were coming in on a wheelchair or crutches, every Everton player had an injury. Now he's on the other side of it. Not that I'm one to carry a grudge!"
Despite the setback in Dublin, Portugal remains one of the favorites to lift the World Cup trophy this summer. Much of that optimism is pinned on the shoulders of Bruno Fernandes, the Manchester United captain who has become indispensable for both club and country. Fernandes, now 31 years old, is enjoying a standout season in the Premier League, with 6 goals and 12 assists in 24 appearances. United currently sit fourth in the league, fighting for a coveted Champions League spot.
Fernandes’ influence on the Portugal national team is equally profound. He has made 85 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 24 assists. His leadership was instrumental in Portugal’s qualification for the World Cup, and he enters the tournament in red-hot form, having scored a hat-trick in Portugal’s emphatic 9-1 victory over Armenia. Roberto Martinez, speaking on The Overlap, was effusive in his praise for Fernandes. "I think he’s very unfairly assessed, I would say, because I think if we are very objective, to be the captain of Manchester United in the last three or four years, I bet it’s been incredibly tough at every level. And what I appreciate from him is he never hides. Never hides. And I’m not going to value if he makes the right pass, the right execution. But whatever happens in any action, he’s the one that is, he’s a leader. He’s a leader. And the way he’s very emotional, but in a very respected way by his teammates. When the teammates see Bruno upset, they react, they know that is something."
With Cristiano Ronaldo still a focal point, Fernandes’ role as a leader is more vital than ever. Martinez is counting on his captain to inspire the squad when the World Cup kicks off. The path won’t be easy, especially with the memory of the Dublin defeat still fresh and the likes of Ireland hungry to make history in the play-offs next month.
Back in Wolverhampton, the future of Mateus Mane remains uncertain. With Wolves’ relegation all but sealed, Premier League clubs are circling, eager to snap up the talented teenager. His next move—both at club and international level—could shape the fortunes of whichever nation secures his services.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, Portugal finds itself at the crossroads of legacy and renewal. With Bruno Fernandes leading the charge, Roberto Martinez plotting redemption, and the saga of Mateus Mane unfolding, the drama is far from over. One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on Portugal this summer, and the football world will be watching every twist and turn.