Portugal Squad Honors Diogo Jota at FIFA World Cup 2026 with Special Wristbands

As Portugal prepares to kick off its FIFA World Cup 2026 journey in North America, the squad is carrying a poignant reminder of a beloved teammate. The team will honor the memory of Diogo Jota, who passed away last year, by wearing commemorative wristbands throughout the tournament. This gesture comes amidst the backdrop of the expanded 48-team World Cup hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with Portugal aiming for glory.

Midfielder Vitinha confirmed the initiative ahead of Portugal's opening match against DR Congo. He revealed that Prime Minister Luis Montenegro personally presented the team with the green and red wristbands. Crucially, these bands have been designed to comply with FIFA regulations, ensuring players can wear them on the pitch during matches. Each band features the names of all 27 squad members, inscribed in gold lettering, alongside a special mention of Diogo Jota.

The Prime Minister reportedly gave the players the freedom to choose how and when to wear the wristbands, whether during training sessions or official games. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates have already been photographed wearing them during preparations, signaling their collective commitment to the tribute. The team's deep affection for Jota remains evident, with reports of Matheus Nunes carrying Jota's biography upon their arrival in the US.

While Jota's jersey number 21 was initially retired by the Portuguese federation following his passing, World Cup numbering rules necessitated its reassignment for the tournament. The number has since been passed to Ruben Neves, a close friend and former club and national team colleague of Jota's, ensuring a continued connection to his memory on the field.