With Portugal facing Colombia for the first place in Group K, Rafael Leao has been left once again on the substitution bench. Portugal is set to battle Colombia for Matchday 3 of Group K at the 2026 World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. With the top spot in the group completely on the line, questions are rising over head coach Roberto Martinez’s decision to name Rafael Leao to the substitute bench.
Leao will start on the bench due to a tactical decision by Martinez. Since the start of the tournament, the AC Milan forward has primarily been utilized as a reserve, and after failing to fully impress in his limited minutes over the first two matches, the Spanish manager has opted to keep him in a super-sub role.
For this high-stakes clash against Los Cafeteros, Martinez has chosen an attacking frontline featuring Joao Felix and Pedro Neto on the left and right wings, respectively. They will flank Bruno Fernandes, who is set to operate as the central attacking midfielder directly behind star striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
*Developing story…