Portugal midfielder Vitinha spoke at the pre-match press conference ahead of the World Cup 2026 opener against DR Congo. The squad settled in Miami without issues — last year's Club World Cup in the United States gave the players a clear sense of what to expect in terms of conditions and heat.

Asked about favourites, Vitinha was measured: Portugal are candidates with serious quality, but he refused to use the word 'favourites', stressing that a talented squad means nothing without delivery on the pitch. He identified humility, commitment and tactical execution as the factors that could take this generation where previous ones fell short.

Vitinha acknowledged he has yet to score for the national team and admitted it is something he would like to change, provided the chance arises naturally without forcing it at the team's expense. The heat and physical demands of a tournament spanning three countries are a challenge, but the same for everyone — no excuses.

His philosophy is straightforward: focus on Congo, study the opponent, then move to the next game. To the Portuguese community in the United States he sent a message of gratitude for the warm welcome and a promise of maximum effort.

Vitinha spoke at the pre-match press conference ahead of Portugal's opening World Cup 2026 fixture against Congo DR in Miami. The PSG midfielder said he arrives in good physical and mental shape after a strong club season, and the American heat holds no surprises — Portugal faced the same conditions at last year's Club World Cup.

He described his side as "candidates" rather than "favorites", insisting that quality on paper means nothing without execution on the pitch. The formula he returned to throughout: humility, game-by-game focus, and unconditional commitment from every player.

Vitinha acknowledged he has yet to score for the national team and would welcome the milestone, but will never chase it at the expense of team play. He noted that his PSG partnership with João Neves could give the coaching staff useful club-level dynamics to draw on, though tactical decisions rest with Roberto Martínez.

He closed with a message to the Portuguese community in the United States, thanking them for the warm reception at the airport and training ground, and promising that the squad carries genuine pride in representing the nation.

The Congo DR head coach admitted his side started nervously, weighed down by the pressure of their first World Cup game, but said the team gradually settled into the match after conceding early. Portugal's goal may have worked against them mentally — he felt the Portuguese relaxed once they scored, which gave Congo space to grow into the contest.

The equaliser came from a rehearsed set piece: the coach noted Portugal is one of the few teams that commits up to ten players to dead-ball situations, and his side exploited exactly those zones. The draw represents a historic milestone — Congo DR's first ever World Cup point and first goal at the tournament.

He praised his players' tactical discipline, saying the system was a key factor in their ability to exist in the game against such a high-quality opponent. The stated objective remains qualifying from the group: the coach calculated that winning one of the next two matches would put them on four points and likely through.

Next up is Colombia, with the match taking place in Mexico; his staff has also studied Uzbekistan. With a 26-man squad and five days' recovery before the next fixture, he expressed confidence the group has the depth to maintain the level.