The Portugal national football team is about to start its journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but one absence will be felt by football fans: that of attacker Diogo Jota, who died in July last year in a car accident in Spain. The Portuguese Football Federation did not want to leave his contribution to the team in recent years and invited the player's parents to attend the team's debut in the World Cup. Joaquim and Isabel Silva will be in Houston today, remembering Jota and his brother André Silva, a player for Penafiel who also died in the accident. The player has always been remembered by his teammates and coach Roberto Martínez said during the announcement of the call-up that Portugal would be represented by 27 players plus one, in reference to the presence of Diogo Jota in the hearts and spirit of the team. The players will wear a wristband in the World Cup with the number 21 that he wore. In April, the FPF launched the book “Diogo Jota – Never Too Much Time”, by José Manuel Delgado, a work that reconstructs the life and career of the Portuguese player, from his childhood in Gondomar to his international career and family life. Diogo Jota started his career at Paços de Ferreira and passed through Porto and Wolverhampton, until he was hired by Liverpool in 2020. At the English club, he lived the peak of his career, winning titles such as the Premier League, the FA Cup, and two League Cups. Jota was a constant presence in the Portuguese national team, scoring 14 goals in 47 games. He was one of the highlights of Portugal's victory in the 2025 Nations League, in the final against Spain, decided on penalties after a 2-2 draw. The Portugal national football team is determined to make a good campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the tribute to Diogo Jota is an example of the unity and respect that the team has for its players. The team's debut in the World Cup will be an exciting moment for football fans and the presence of Diogo Jota's parents will be a reminder of the importance of family and respect in the Portuguese national team. The Portuguese Football Federation is committed to keeping Diogo Jota's memory alive and the tribute at the 2026 FIFA World Cup debut is an example of this. The Portugal national football team is ready to face the challenges of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the tribute to Diogo Jota will be a motivator for the team.