The decision to bench Bernardo Silva for this high-stakes rivalry match is purely tactical. Manager Roberto Martinez has opted for alternative creators in his lineup, tapping Joao Felix to replace Rafael Leao, who’s not starting today, and Joao Neves to orchestrate the team’s offensive build-up and final-third distribution.

This reserve role is nothing new for Silva during this tournament cycle, as the veteran midfielder has yet to earn a single start for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup. Despite coming off a spectacular season with Manchester City—and recently securing a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid for the upcoming campaign—he has consistently seen Martínez favor other options in the starting eleven.

Even so, Silva remains a regular fixture in Portugal’s second-half game plans, logging 67 total minutes across the tournament. The regular-season standout’s only completely idle match came during the group stage finale, where he was rested against Colombia.

Spain set to miss dynamic winger Nico Williams

While Portugal bench a star by choice, Spain enter this crucial knockout fixture facing a forced omission of their own: dynamic winger Nico Williams isn’t playing due to injury.

The loss of Williams strips Spain of a premier threat on the left flank, forcing a tactical adjustment that places Alex Baena in the starting lineup. The Atletico Madrid standout has put together a good 2026 World Cup campaign thus far and will be tasked with replicating Williams’ vertical spark.

With FIFA world ranking locked in for Spain, the stage is officially cleared for a monumental battle between two European powerhouses. Kickoff times and complete broadcast guide information for US viewers are already finalized as fans brace for a win-or-go-home thriller.

Head coach Roberto Martinez spent the past week defending Cristiano Ronaldo while hinting at changes for the knockout clash, but Silva ultimately failed to crack the rotation for today’s blockbuster fixture.

With Toronto ready to host Portugal vs. Croatia, fans are eager to see which version of Portugal shows up. Following an inconsistent group-stage run—which featured hard-fought draws against Colombia and DR Congo, alongside a dominant 5-0 dismantling of Uzbekistan fueled by a Cristiano brace—the Portuguese are desperate to prove they belong in the tournament’s tier of true title contenders.

Armed with an analytical scouting report on Croatia’s updated FIFA ranking, Martinez’s squad has a prime opportunity to punch its ticket to the next round. Both Portugal and Croatia are playing with their away uniforms.

Has Bernardo Silva cracked Portugal’s starting XI this tournament?

Despite being fully fit, Silva has emerged as one of the most surprising omissions from Portugal’s starting lineups during this 2026 World Cup campaign. The veteran playmaker has logged just under 60 minutes across the entire competition, relegated to brief second-half appearances off the bench against DR Congo and Uzbekistan.

However, he remains a lethal weapon in reserve for Portugal today; in a high-stakes knockout match where a draw after 90 minutes triggers a grueling extra-time period, his fresh legs could prove to be the ultimate x-factor. Joao Felix isn’t starting either for Portugal against Croatia.

Who is Martinez starting over Silva?

Looking at Portugal’s confirmed tactical shape, the creative role typically reserved for Silva is being occupied by Pedro Neto. The dynamic winger earned his spot on the back of a breakout run with Chelsea during the 2025 Club World Cup, forcing his way into Martinez’s preferred tournament lineup.

With the officiating crew assigned, the Portuguese bench remains incredibly deep. That luxury includes Silva, the maestro who recently made waves by leaving Manchester City to join Real Madrid ahead of the upcoming club season. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo though, as his sister suggested this could be his last dance.

The confirmed lineups for Portugal and Colombia are locked in. Both teams feature genuine surprises in their starting elevens, largely because both nations are fighting to decide who walks away as the outright leader of Group K.

In a surprising turn of events, Bernardo Silva is heading to the bench once again, having also been left out of the starting lineup against Uzbekistan. This appears to be a purely tactical decision by manager Roberto Martinez, as the midfielder does not carry an injury designation.

Bernardo Silva’s rough start to the 2026 World Cup

The Portugal vs. Colombia clash will heavily shake up the looks of the Round of 32 bracket. For this reason, Roberto Martínez has opted for a highly calculated lineup to avoid an upset and secure the group leadership with a vital victory.

Unfortunately for Bernardo Silva, he is not currently regarded as an indispensable game-changer for the Europeans. He did start for Portugal in their World Cup debut against DR Congo, but he was hooked at halftime in favor of Francisco Conceicao.

Bernardo Silva recently joined Real Madrid, making an immediate impact on their lineup. However, Roberto Martinez seems to believe there are better tactical options available in his midfield today to inject more raw speed and dynamism against a physical Colombian side.

Notable absences on both sides

While Portugal’s overall blueprint hasn’t shifted drastically this World Cup, a few marquee names are notably absent from the opening whistle. For instance, explosive AC Milan winger Rafael Leao is on the bench today against Colombia. Nelson Semedo joins him among the substitutes, though both are heavily expected to see minutes as the match progresses.

As for Colombia, Daniel Munoz and Luis Suarez also start on the bench. It appears to be a straightforward tactical decision to give the standout right-back a breather after two incredibly intense opening fixtures.

Silva will be a substitute as Portugal take on Uzbekistan on matchday 2 of the 2026 World Cup. In an absolute must-win game for the Lusos, Roberto Martinez decided to make two changes to the starting XI, compared to the disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo.

Bernardo Silva has been taken out of the starting XI, making room for Joao Felix instead. The 31-year-old midfielder will give way to the 26-year-old winger, who will bring much-needed speed and dynamism to Portugal‘s attack, which looked powerless in its 2026 World Cup debut.

Leaving Silva out of the starting lineup is purely a tactical decision by the coaching staff. Silva is fit to play and will be available to enter the game if Martinez feels his presence is required.

Portugal’s starting XI

In addition to Felix’s feature, Ruben Dias is back on the lineup for Portugal after missing the 2026 World Cup debut due to lingering discomfort. Back at 100%, the team’s best center back is back in action, joining Renato Veiga in the middle of the defense. With Dias’ return, Portugal may have put together their best possible XI to face Uzbekistan.

Diogo Costa will be the starting goalkeeper; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto.

Notable absences

Due to Portugal’s depth and FIFA rules only allowing 11 players to take the pitch, Martinez always had some tough decisions to make. Thus, the starting lineup to face Uzbekistan feature several household names that are conspicuous by their absence. That’s not taking into account players like Pepe, who retired and won’t be playing at the 2026 World Cup.

Among the active players in the 26-man squad, the team set to take on Uzbekistan will be without Rafael Leao, who isn’t starting, as well as the aforementioned Bernardo Silva, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos, and Francisco Conceicao.

According to transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, the Portuguese midfielder is nearing a move to Real Madrid, where he could become one of the first major additions of the new Jose Mourinho era after the tournament concludes.

Real Madrid has already confirmed Mourinho’s return as head coach through June 2029, with the Portuguese manager set to begin his second spell at the club on July 13. If Bernardo Silva arrives as expected, Mourinho would inherit one of the deepest and most talented squads in world soccer as he looks to restore Madrid to the top of European stage.

The potential addition of Silva would provide another elite creative option alongside stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde. Known for his versatility, work rate, and technical quality, the Portugal international could quickly become a key piece in Mourinho’s plans for the 2026-27 season.

How could Bernardo Silva fit into Jose Mourinho’s system?

One of Silva’s greatest strengths is his ability to operate in multiple positions. Throughout his career, he has played as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, winger, and even in deeper playmaking roles when required.

That versatility could make him an ideal fit for Mourinho, who has traditionally valued intelligent players capable of adapting to different tactical situations. Silva’s experience in high-pressure matches for both club and country would also bring additional leadership to a squad already filled with world-class talent.

Real Madrid’s projected lineup with Bernardo Silva

If the reported move is completed following the World Cup, Real Madrid could line up as follows: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Alphonso Davies; Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Bernardo Silva; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe.

The depth behind that lineup would remain equally impressive, with Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Endrick, and Brahim Diaz providing Mourinho with multiple alternatives throughout the season.

As Portugal continue their World Cup journey with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way, Real Madrid supporters will be closely monitoring Bernardo Silva’s future. If the deal is finalized, Mourinho could begin his second chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu with one of the strongest squads in Europe.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano recently fueled the fire on X, stating that the veteran playmaker’s time in England is nearing its end.

“Bernardo Silva’s plan for the summer is to leave Manchester City as a free agent,” Romano posted. “Clear indications since January… several clubs keen in Europe, Saudi, and MLS. A decision is now nearly finalized.“

After a decorated nine-year stint in Manchester, Silva appears ready for a fresh start. While Ronaldo continues to recover from a minor injury, he could be transitioning into an unofficial recruiter for the Saudi giants.

The duo’s chemistry within the Portuguese national team is well-documented, and the prospect of Silva joining a locker room that already features Ronaldo and fellow countryman Joao Felix is a compelling narrative for the Saudi Pro League.

Heavy competition for Al Nassr’s signature

Despite the “Ronaldo effect,” Al Nassr face stiff competition from global heavyweights. Silva’s pedigree as one of the most versatile midfielders in the world has put him on the radar of several European giants and North American suitors.

According to CaughtOffside’s Mark Brus, the race for Silva includes:

• Europe: Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, and Napoli.
• MLS: LAFC have emerged as a frontrunner if Silva opt for a move stateside.

While rumors from Sport suggest Silva has a long-standing desire to land at Barcelona, the Catalan club’s financial constraints remain a hurdle. With no official statement from the player’s camp, his ultimate destination remains one of the summer’s biggest question marks.

End of an era: Silva’s Manchester City legacy

If Silva departs from Manchester City this summer, he leaves behind one of the most successful resumes in Premier League history:

• Tenure: 9 Seasons (2017–2026)
• Total Appearances: 449
• Hardware: 16 Major Trophies (including 6 Premier League titles and 1 Champions League)
• 2025/26 Campaign: 30 appearances, 2 goals, 4 assists

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, at least two other European clubs have reportedly shown interest, along with the reigning MLS champions. The report stated there is interest from Galatasaray, Inter Miami and Benfica, “who dream of bringing the prodigal son home after 12 years.”

This interest comes as it appears increasingly likely that Bernardo Silva will not continue with Manchester City once the current season ends, as negotiations over a contract extension that expires on June 30 have not progressed. “The decision to leave Pep Guardiola’s club has already been made, and his powerful agent, Jorge Mendes, has already moved to find him a new home in Europe and Saudi Arabia,” reported La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Silva will also face strong competition from major European clubs seeking his services. The midfielder’s expected departure from England has attracted the attention of several clubs, with the report claiming Juventus are among them. “There has already been some contact with CEO Damien Comolli and sporting director Marco Ottolini.”

Bernardo Silva numbers

At 31 years old, Bernardo Silva remains a key player for Manchester City. He has played 39 matches this season, 32 as a starter, across the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup, recording two goals and five assists.

He continues to perform at a high level for the club while aiming to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup in top form with Portugal, who are considered one of the candidates to compete for the title, especially with the possibility that Cristiano Ronaldo could lead the team.

The possibility of playing alongside Messi would undoubtedly be a tempting factor for the Portuguese star. He could take on the challenge of an ambitious MLS project or continue in Europe, competing at the highest level.

For now, the decision will have to wait. Bernardo Silva remains focused on finishing the season with Manchester City, competing in the Champions League and the Premier League, while also representing Portugal at the World Cup.

Expectations are soaring for Guardiola and his team in this tournament. After enduring a difficult season without adding any silverware to their collection, Manchester City supporters are looking to this competition as an opportunity to reclaim their form and restore the identity reminiscent of their Champions League triumph.

With new talents like Rayan Cherki joining the ranks, Manchester City aim to demonstrate that last season’s struggles were merely a temporary setback. Notably, Jack Grealish is absent from the squad, having not been called up for the tournament.

Why are Haaland and Silva absent from Manchester City’s starting lineup against Wydad?

Reports indicate that Pep Guardiola opted to rest Haaland and Silva, managing their minutes strategically to navigate the challenges of the tournament. Their inclusion later in the game could play a crucial role in positioning Manchester City as strong contenders.

In place of Haaland and Silva, the starting lineup will feature other talents. Notably, Rayan Cherki is set to make his debut in a City jersey, while Omar Marmoush will be tasked with facing Wydad Casablanca, whose key player to watch is Moroccan star Sofyan Amrabat.

Manchester City’s confirmed lineup

Alongside Cherki and Marmoush, Guardiola has selected Tijjani Reijnders, a promising young player he is eager to develop within the squad. Employing a 3-6-1 formation, Guardiola seeks to strike a balance between defense and offense, focusing on midfield dominance for his first game in the Club World Cup.

Here is Manchester City’s confirmed lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Ederson
• Defenders: Nathan Ake, Victor Reis, Rico Lewis
• Midfielders: Tijjani Reijnders, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Rayan Cherki, Nico O’Reilly
• Forward: Omar Marmoush

Garnacho scored a late goal to give Manchester United a 1-0 lead, and with just minutes left, he tried to run down the clock, seemingly securing the win for the Red Devils against their bitter rivals. However, during a stoppage in play, Garnacho was fouled hard by Silva, which earned him a yellow card.

After City’s triumph, Silva addressed the incident that sparked criticism due to the aggressive nature of the foul, especially against a player as young as Garnacho. Unapologetic, Silva defended his actions on the field, saying, “I’m fine with my yellow card.”

Silva elaborated on his reasoning: “I think it was a foul in our favor, and he didn’t need to go for the ball. If he touches the ball, I’m allowed to do something like that. I knew I was going to get booked, but the rules are the rules.”

The Manchester City midfielder also criticized Garnacho for trying to delay the game in the final moments. “At that point in the match, we were losing and needed to restart play quickly. That tactic of trying to slow the game down is something I don’t like,” Silva stated, putting an end to the debate.

Manchester United legend praises Alejandro Garnacho

While Roy Keane, the Manchester United legend, was critical of Erik ten Hag’s squad during the final against Manchester City, he singled out Alejandro Garnacho for praise. “He does everything good players do. Good players have an impact on the game, and every time he’s on the field, he makes a difference. He finds a way through, scores a great goal. When he’s on the pitch, I expect that from him,” Keane said.

As for the rest of the United squad, Keane didn’t hold back in his critique. “In the end, they weren’t strong enough and will need a bit more composure to avoid conceding late goals like the one they did against Manchester City,” he concluded in his conversation with ITV.

With innate skill and surprising coolness, the young Argentine eluded several Manchester City defenders and, with a cross-shot, beat the resistance of the rival goalkeeper. The stadium erupted in jubilation as United fans celebrated the tie-breaking goal in the 2024 Community Shield.

The match had passed without major shocks, a tactical duel and mutual study. However, in the blink of an eye, Garnacho broke the balance of the match. His goal was a balm for United fans, who saw their team close to victory.

A heart-stopping finish to the Community Shield!

When everything seemed to indicate that Manchester United would take the victory thanks to Garnacho’s goal, Bernardo Silva appeared to cool the euphoria of the Manchester City. In the 89th minute, the Portuguese midfielder took advantage of a defensive oversight to shoot at goal and force a penalty shootout, thus extending the excitement until the last breaths of the match.

Silva is 28-years old and, as a star on his prime, many clubs in Europe are ready to make him a big offer. His contract with Manchester City expires on 2025, but, anything could happen in the summer.

That’s why, in the last few days, a powerhouse is ready to pursuit Bernardo Silva in case he decides to leave the Premier League. It would be a major change and these are the details of a possible transfer.

Bernando Silva could leave Manchester City for PSG

According to reports from L’Equipe and Le Parisien, Bernardo Silva might be ready to leave Manchester City and is very interested in playing for PSG. If Lionel Messi indeed leaves, this would become a priority for the French squad.

Though Silva has been very successful under Pep Guardiola, the midfielder might have had enough of Manchester and wants to experience Paris as a whole. Not only with PSG, but also as a new chapter in his personal life.

It’s important to remember that Luis Campos, a very important consultant at PSG, signed Silva a few years ago with Monaco. Paris Saint-Germain will pay his release clause of $80 million. If Lionel Messi and Neymar are out, Bernardo will be one of the stars to replace them.

This week, during an interview with France Football, he even defended Ligue 1. “People who criticize the level of Ligue 1 and that only PSG exist don’t know anything about soccer. It’s tougher to play in France than in England. It’s a more physical league. It was more complicated for me adapting to French soccer rather than England.”

So, in the middle of the rumors, Bernardo Silva had only praise for his possible next destination. “Ligue 1 is a very competitive championship. Of course PSG, with the money they have, are going to win more than other teams, but, if you analyze Monaco, Lille, Lyon or Marseille, they’re good teams with talented young players.”