Portugal's Matheus Nunes explains Brazil snub

Portugal's Matheus Nunes explains Brazil snub

The Portugal national team is set to debut in the 2026 World Cup and Matheus Nunes, midfielder for Manchester City, is one of the players who was called up to defend the country.

Who is Matheus Nunes?

Matheus Nunes is a Brazilian midfielder who became a naturalized Portuguese citizen and was called up to the Portugal national team in 2021.

Why did Matheus Nunes snub Brazil?

Matheus Nunes revealed that he turned down the call-up from the Brazil national team because he feels more connected to Portugal, where he started playing serious football.

“I owe more to Portugal than Brazil, because Portugal gave me the opportunity to be who I am today”, said Matheus Nunes.

What's next for Portugal?

Portugal's debut in the 2026 World Cup will be this Wednesday (17/6), at 14h, against the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the NRG Stadium, in Houston.