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.

Content Summary
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.
How many World Cups Portugal has won ?
Portugal have not won any world cup so far. Their best performance is 3rd position in 1966.
Who is the top goal scorer from Portugal?
Christiano Ronaldo is the leading goal scorer for Portugal.
How many times Portugal qualified for FIFA world cups?
Portugal made entry in world cups 7 times so far.