Portugal Football Team History In FIFA World Cups

Portugal football team is one of the oldest team connected with FIFA. As the world cup history way back to 1930, Portugal struggle failed as they did not qualify into the tournament. The team made their first appearance in the world cups in 1966 after struggling from 1934. Since 1930, 21 events have been played. Portugal qualified only in the 7 events.

History of Portugal Football Team In World Cups

Portuguese Football Federation governs the team in Portugal and they have affiliation with UEFA Federation. They also made their appearance in the UEFA Euro league as they qualify from Europe side.

Portugal have not played well so far in the mega event as they don’t manage a single title. However, there are many good performances from the team in the history. We will here talk about the whole history of Portugal football team. In the 7 world cups they qualified, Portugal only played extraordinarily in 1966.

TEAM	Portugal Men’s National Football Team
FIFA Code	POR
Current FIFA Ranking	8
World Cup Appearances	7 (1st In 1966 & Latest in 2018)
Best World Cup Result	3rd Place In 1966
Nickname	Os Navegadores
Most Capped player in World Cups	Cristiano Ronaldo
Top Goal Scorers In World Cup	Eusébio (9 Goals)
Most Capped Portuguese Player	Cristiano Ronaldo (184 Caps)
Most Goals By Portuguese Player	Cristiano Ronaldo (115 Goals)

1966 World Cup Glory

Before 1966, Portugal struggled to qualify for the mega event as they failed to produce a solid team game. But when Eusébio joined the team, they have presented a totally different game. In 1966 world cup, Portugal football team featuring Eusébio finished at 3rd spot. They failed to manage a win against England and knocked out from the tournament.

That was the best team show ever produced as they don’t have so many big names. However, they still manage some big victories and moved to the semis.

Portugal Team Performance Timeline In World Cups (1930-2018)

WORLD CUPS	POSITIONS	DETAILS
1930	Invited	Did Not Enter
1934	Did Not Qualify
1938	Did Not Qualify
1950	Did Not Qualify
1954	Did Not Qualify
1958	Did Not Qualify
1962	Did Not Qualify
1966	3rd Place	Defeated Against England
1970	Did Not Qualify
1974	Did Not Qualify
1978	Did Not Qualify
1982	Did Not Qualify
1986	Group Stage	Lost 2 Of 3 Group Games
1990	Did Not Qualify
1994	Did Not Qualify
1998	Did Not Qualify
2002	Group Stage	Lost 2 Of 3 Group Games
2006	4th Place	Defeated Against Germany
2010	Round Of 16	Lost 3 Of 4 Group Games
2014	Group Stage	Lost 2 Of 3 Group Games
2018	Round Of 16	Lost 3 Of 4 Group Games
2022	TBD
2026	TBD

That’s all about the Portugal National football team history in the FIFA World Cups. They have showed some great performances and the best was in 1966 and 2006. Now, it will be worth seeing that how they will play in World Cup 2022 if they qualify.