Portugal will have to cope without Rúben Dias for their opening match in the competition against DR Congo. This significant absence was confirmed by coach Roberto Martínez, who cleared up doubts during a press conference ahead of the Group K match preparation. The Spanish tactician was clear about the situation of his central defender, who is currently under contract with Manchester City.
Speaking to Sport TV, Roberto Martínez stated that the player is not fit to play in this match. “Rúben Dias is not available. He is not at 100%,” he declared, putting an end to speculation about his participation. This announcement confirms the concerns that have arisen in recent days within the Portuguese staff.
Since the Portuguese squad arrived in Florida, Rúben Dias has not participated in any collective training sessions.
The 29-year-old defender, usually a key part of the central defense, is following an individualized program to fully recover. His prolonged absence from training with the group quickly raised alarms among observers, especially since his physical condition was closely monitored by the medical staff.
The player has just come out of a relatively long recovery period after an injury that kept him off the pitch for nearly two months. He recently returned to competition and had been used in the two friendly matches played by Portugal. These appearances suggested a gradual return to his best form, but caution remains the priority for the technical staff.
Given this situation, Roberto Martínez has chosen to prioritize the player’s physical management rather than risk a relapse. The Portuguese coach, aware of the importance of the upcoming matches, prefers to avoid any complications that could worsen the condition of the Manchester City defender. The goal is clear: to preserve Rúben Dias for the next challenges, rather than forcing him to play under uncertain conditions.
🚨 OFFICIAL! RUBEN DIAS 🇵🇹 IS OUT FOR THE MATCH AGAINST DR CONGO! ❌ pic.twitter.com/6tNULHe7P2
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) June 17, 2026
This absence is a tough blow for Portugal, who lose one of their most experienced and influential defenders. Rúben Dias is indeed considered a cornerstone of the Portuguese defensive system, thanks to his leadership, game reading, and solidity in duels. His absence forces the coach to rethink his plans for this first Group K match against the Leopards of DR Congo.
The Portuguese staff will now have to find alternative solutions to compensate for this major absence. Several options are being considered in central defense, but none have the same profile or international experience as Rúben Dias. In this context, managing defensive solidity will be one of the key challenges of this opening match.
