Robert Martínez, head coach of Portugal’s national team, expressed deep respect for the Colombian national team after it was announced that both teams will share Group K in the 2026 World Cup group stage. In remarks reported by the media this morning, the Spanish coach highlighted the collective and historical value of the Colombian team and confirmed that facing them will be “a fitting match for a great World Cup.”
In a context in which Colombia was grouped with Portugal, Uzbekistan, and a yet-to-be-determined opponent from the intercontinental playoff, Martínez’s words reflect a serious assessment of the South American side’s potential. The coach recalled his personal experiences working with Colombian players such as Hugo Rodallega and acknowledged the traits that define the country’s soccer: competitiveness, team spirit, and individual talent when the moment calls for it.
After a long career with clubs in the United Kingdom, Martínez took charge of Belgium — where he spent seven years — before arriving in Portugal in 2022. In these three years, the coach has led the Portuguese side in 36 matches, with a record so far of 27 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses. As for the road to the 2026 World Cup, Portugal played six matches, earning 4 wins, one draw, and one loss in the European Qualifiers.
Portugal coach hails Colombia with ‘utmost respect’ ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Martínez said he felt fortunate to have coached Colombian players throughout his career, and mentioned Rodallega —the veteran striker who now plays for Santa Fe in Bogotá and whom Martínez coached years ago at Wigan Athletic in England— as one of those talents who embody the so-called “spirit of the Colombian footballer.” The Catalan coach defined that “spirit” as that of competitive, winning players, with a mix of collective grit and individual flashes that appear in decisive moments.
He also recalled with nostalgia the generation of the nineties under the leadership of Francisco Maturana —the one from the 1994 World Cup— as an example of great South American football, and evoked that legacy when he assessed the current team as a worthy opponent for the World Cup.
For Martínez, the Colombian national team has managed to adapt very well to European football. He noted that in a recent friendly against Spain it became clear how Colombia shows tactical solidity, strong physical condition, and a collective capacity that allows them to stand up to top-tier national teams.
That adaptability and competitive character convince him that Portugal must approach the match with maximum focus and respect. His words were clear: “maximum respect” for Colombia, because —in his view— they will be a demanding rival.
Martínez also referred to the current form of certain players in particular. He mentioned winger Luis Díaz, currently at Bayern Munich, as one of the most outstanding footballers on the Colombian national team.
The coach praised his present moment in Europe, his performance in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, and considered him part of a generation that combines collective effort with brilliant individual abilities. For him, Luis Díaz’s talent exemplifies the blend of styles and the versatility of Colombia, virtues that make the team even more dangerous.
A duel of mutual respect
The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup placed Colombia and Portugal face to face in a tough group. Martínez, who leads a Portuguese team reinforced by world-renowned figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo, admitted that facing Colombia represents an important challenge.
But far from underestimating them, he showed admiration for the history, football identity, and resilience of the South American side. The image of a golden generation in the nineties remains in his memory, and today he values the current team for its team spirit, talent, and adaptation to European football.
With those words, Martínez made it clear that Portugal, despite being the on-paper favorite, will approach the match with humility and seriousness. For Colombia, the praise of a rival of that caliber —which also boasts World Cup experience and a competitive squad— represents meaningful recognition. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up not only as a gathering of stars, but also as a test of character for both squads sharing Group K.
Expectations are rising, the spotlight is on. And amid the excitement of the draw, Roberto Martínez’s statements establish a framework of mutual respect and recognition that anticipates a high-voltage football showdown.