Portugal's World Cup squad slammed PM's absence in Canada

Portugal beats Croatia and sparks political controversy

The Portugal national team overcame Croatia 2‑1 at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto, while Chega and IL MPs slammed Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's absence. The winning goal came in the 23rd minute of the second half, sealing the team's first victory in the tournament.

Why are parliamentarians demanding the leader's presence?

Pedro Pinto (Chega) and Rui Rocha (IL) argue that, amid severe fires in Portugal, the head of government should be at home. "The country is burning, the minister dramatizes the situation, and he is watching football in Toronto," Pinto said during the PCP fire‑brigade bill debate. The criticism echoed in the PSD bench, which replied that the Prime Minister has international institutional commitments.

How has the team performed so far?

Portugal has shown strength in its opening matches. Besides the win over Croatia, the side thrashed Uzbekistan 5‑0 in Houston. Assembly President José Pedro Aguiar‑Branco attended the 1‑1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, also in Houston. The next group‑stage match will be against Colombia, ending 0‑0.

What lies ahead for Portugal?

The next knockout clash will be against Spain, scheduled for 14:00 local time in Arlington, USA. Meanwhile, the political debate continues, with PSD defending the importance of international relations and Chega insisting on a physical presence during national crises.

The episode shows how football can become a stage for discussions about governmental priorities, especially when the country faces climate emergencies. The national team stays focused on upcoming games, but political pressure may shape the Prime Minister's agenda in the coming months.