Portugal

Portugal, nicknamed Seleção das Quinas, are one of Europe's most celebrated national teams — UEFA European Champions in 2016, two-time UEFA Nations League winners (2019, 2025), and third-place finishers at the 1966 World Cup, led by all-time record appearance holder and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal played their first international on 18 December 1921, losing 3–1 to Spain in Madrid. The Federação Portuguesa de Futebol was founded in 1914 and affiliated to FIFA in 1923. Portugal's first World Cup appearance came in 1966, where Eusébio's goals fired them to a remarkable third-place finish — a high-water mark that would stand for decades.

After long qualifying absences, Portugal re-emerged as a European power in the 2000s, finishing as runners-up at home in Euro 2004 (beaten 1–0 by Greece in the final) and reaching the 2006 World Cup semi-finals. Under Fernando Santos, the team claimed their maiden major trophy at Euro 2016, with substitute Éder scoring in extra time to beat France 1–0 in Paris.

Roberto Martínez took charge in 2023 and guided Portugal through an undefeated Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. In 2025, Portugal claimed their second UEFA Nations League title, defeating Spain on penalties. Cristiano Ronaldo holds the world records for most international caps (228) and most international goals (143) by a male player.