Portugal's defensive gap risks World Cup spots

A tactical analysis of the Portuguese national team’s matches in the 2026 World Cup revealed a serious defensive vulnerability: weak coverage against shots from outside the penalty area. Wide open spaces were allowed for opponents in the recent match against Colombia. This issue raises concerns about the team's ability to continue further in the tournament, especially with an increase in goals scored from long-range shots. If the coaching staff does not address this flaw, the defense line could become a main reason for Portugal’s diminished chances of winning the world title.