As Portugal’s starting lineup vs Colombia was confirmed, Leao’s name was not featuring any role. In fact, this is nothing new. Leao has been benched in the two previous 2026 World Cup games for Portugal.

Leao is behind in the pecking order as Pedro Neto and Joao Felix are Roberto Martinez’s preferred wingers. However, Leao has played both games as a substitute, and it’s likely this time won’t be any different. He is not the only one facing the bench as Bernardo Silva is not starting for Portugal either.

Leao might’ve thought he earned a starting role in Portugal vs Colombia

Scoring goals is a very good way to earn more minutes, but despite Leao’s great goal vs. Uzbekistan, he will still be featured as a super-sub rather than a starter. Leao will have to impress once again on limited minutes.

Leao, shall he enter the match, won’t be facing Colombian stars Luis Diaz or Daniel Muñoz, as they’re not starting vs. Portugal. Hence, Portugal won’t have to deal with Colombia’s top scorer in the 2026 World Cup from the get-go.

Portugal need another big-time performance

Portugal will also use Nelson Semedo as a non-starting asset vs. Colombia, however, that is because Joao Cancelo is playing at a very high level. And that’s what Portugal need, high level, and high intensity.

After a lackluster debut against DR Congo, Portugal reminded everyone of their contender status against Uzbekistan. However, if they want to keep their 2026 World Cup stock high, they need another victory against a much more credible foe in Colombia.

Roberto Martinez, for this match to be played in Houston, will surround Cristiano Ronaldo with Joao Felix and Pedro Neto in attack. The Portuguese face a tough challenge following their opening draw against DR Congo.

This will be the starting lineup Portugal will field, with Leao on the bench: Diogo Costa; Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes; Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vitinha; Cristiano Ronaldo (C), Joao Felix, Pedro Neto. Another big name who isn’t starting today is Bernardo Silva.

Portugal aim to stay alive in the tournament

Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed will officiate a key match for Portugal’s World Cup ambitions. The Europeans were held to a draw in their opener, so another setback against a lower-ranked team like Uzbekistan could be decisive.

Leao’s influence in attack

Since making his senior international debut in October 2021, Rafael Leao has established himself as a crucial attacking threat for the Portugal national team. As of June 2026, the dynamic winger has earned 45 caps and scored 5 goals for the Selecao.

A key figure in their recent campaigns, Leao helped Portugal lift the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League A trophy and is currently contributing to their campaign on the world stage in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to what was announced on the official FIFA website, the Spanish manager decided to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ronaldo as the main attacking reference. Portugal’s fate in the competition could change significantly depending on whether they win, draw, or lose this match.

In addition to Leao, the European side will start this match with players of the caliber of Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos on the bench. As the minutes go by, Martinez will have to decide whether he needs them or not.

Ronaldo seeks to make history with Portugal

At the 2026 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo is driven by a historic obsession: to become the only player in soccer history to score in six consecutive tournaments. Yet, even as the Portuguese icon chases this unprecedented goalscoring milestone, the eternal rivalry continues to rewrite the record books. Lionel Messi broke Ronaldo’s record for the oldest player with a World Cup hat-trick, following the Argentine’s masterclass against Algeria.

Who do Portugal face after DR Congo?

Beyond their opening match against DR Congo, Portugal will continue their Group K campaign at the 2026 World Cup against Uzbekistan on June 23 at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas. They will then wrap up the group stage with a highly anticipated clash against Colombia on June 27 at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

In the first match against the Czech Republic, they started losing and showed some complications but they managed to turn the result around to end up with a 2-1 victory.

The second match was totally different and Cristiano Ronaldo’s team overcame Turkey 3-0 with a good collective performance to seal their qualification.

The only problem they will have for their final match against Georgia is that Roberto Martinez will be without one of his star players, AC Milan striker Rafael Leao.

Rafael Leao out of the match against Georgia in UEFA Euro 2024

The reason why Rafael Leao will not be present in Portugal’s last match is because he received two yellow cards and will have to serve a one-match suspension.

The talented 25-year-old forward received both yellow cards for faking a foul to earn a penalty, first against Czech Republic and then against Turkey.

With their ticket in hand and first place in their group assured, Roberto Martinez may opt to rest his players for the final match against Georgia, which could help ease the impact of Leao’s absence.

Stefano Pioli made sure to lighten the load off of Leao with the signing of USMNT winger Christian Pulisic who has returned that confidence in spades for his new team with six goals and four assists, freeing up Leao to create more and play more freely on the left.

Now Leao sat down with Sky Sports in Italy and talked about the next step in his career and how the talented winger can get to the level of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé.

Leao on Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé

In the interview the journalist asked the AC Milan winger what he is missing from getting to the top of world soccer, Leao responded, “Yes but I’m not selfish. I can score goals, but I can also get assists.

“At that level numbers make the difference because Mbappe, Haaland, Messi have numbers that speak for themselves. When I think like them, I’ll get to their level.”

Profile of Rafael Leão

Rafael Leao is regarded as one of the best forwards and wingers in the world. He can play on both wings and down the middle although at AC Milan he mostly plays on the left.

Leao began his career at Sporting Lisbon before a move to France for Lille, after only one season he was signed by AC Milan where he has won one Serie A title with the club.

Besides that, El Merengue with a value of more than $1.6 billion, are the most valuable soccer club brand and, with a score of 94 out of 100, arealso the strongest in the world, according to the latest ranking prepared by the consultancy Brand Finance.

The fact thatKylian Mbappe rejected Real Madrid’s offer and renewed his contract with PSG was a hard blow for El Madridismo and the club. However, Florentino Perez did not stand idly by and apparently has already arranged his first signing for next season and would also be willing to pay 120 million euros for a forward.

The two players who could join Real Madrid next season

Aurelien Tchouameni

Sooner or later, Real Madrid’s midfield will have to change, and the club’s officials know it. Toni Kroos is 32 years old, Luka Modric is 36, and Casemirois 30. That is why Real Madrid have been looking for long-term replacements. First, with the signing of Eduardo Camavinga last season and now, everything seems to indicate that the Aurelien Tchouameni will join La Casa Blanca.

Tchouameni wouldjoin Real Madrid this summer on a 5-year deal, a deal worth around 80,000,000 euros plus bonuses. The 22-year-old Frenchman is regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. El Merengue and the player have already agreed on personal terms but there has not been an agreement with Monaco yet.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, Liverpool, and PSG are other teams that wanted to sign the player. The only problem for Real Madrid is that Tchouameni is still the French team’s main target and would be willing to offer Monaco a significant amount of money.

Rafael Leao

In addition, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Real Madrid want to sign Rafael Leao. The Portuguese forward has just won the Serie A title with Milanand was named the best player of the tournament. The 22-year-old scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists in 34 games played in Serie A this season.

The Italian newspaper reported that the player has a release clause of 150,000,000 euros and that Real Madrid would be willing to pay 120,000,000 euros for him. Leao has a contract with Milan until 2024, and the Italian club’s officials want to renew his contract until 2026. Only time will tell if Leao signs for Real Madrid to set up the trident alongside Benzemaand Vinicius Junior.