Why Bernardo – Bernardo Silva is not playing for Portugal against Colombia on Saturday after being dropped for the win over Uzbekistan. The decision is tactical, with no injury suggested. Portugal’s result will decide who tops Group K and which opponent they face in the roun
Bernardo Silva has already felt the sting of Portugal’s start to the 2026 World Cup. After the defending side’s lackluster opening group performance against DR Congo, the new Real Madrid signing paid the price—dropping to the bench for Tuesday’s win over Uzbekistan.
He remains there for Saturday’s game against Colombia, a match that will decide which team tops Group K. There is no suggestion that this is about injury. The call, instead, is tactical.
The lineup reshuffle has been just as telling as the result. Against Uzbekistan. João Félix returns as one of three players supporting Cristiano Ronaldo in attack. alongside Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Neto. In that match. the former Real Madrid star João Félix was part of a Portugal side that finally found its scoring rhythm—Cristiano Ronaldo’s attack had the right shape. and the breakthrough mattered. Khusonov. for his part. is seen being comforted by his former Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva after Portugal’s 5–0 win over Uzbekistan 🫶 pic.twitter.com/CysiyRlj8z— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23. 2026.
Silva’s absence has a clearer line back to the last time Portugal looked off-balance. In the draw with DR Congo, head coach Roberto Martínez made a halftime change, replacing Silva. That same game also points to the wider pattern: Francisco Conceição came on then. rather than Félix—Félix stayed on the bench for the full match.
Now, there is another twist layered on top of Silva’s omission. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder João Neves has been left out as well. with Rúben Neves starting against Colombia in his place. Martínez has therefore adjusted two key pieces in midfield. even as Portugal head into the one match that could decide their path through the knockout stage.
The stakes are straightforward. If Portugal win against Colombia, they top Group K and move into a round-of-32 game against Ghana. If they lose, they will almost certainly qualify in second place—setting them up to face Croatia instead.
For Portugal, the question isn’t just whether they can beat Colombia. It’s whether these squad decisions—Silva on the bench, João Neves left out, and Rúben Neves starting—hold their shape when the group table is on the line and the next opponent is already waiting.
Bernardo Silva Portugal Colombia 2026 World Cup Group K Roberto Martínez Uzbekistan DR Congo Cristiano Ronaldo João Félix Bruno Fernandes Pedro Neto Rúben Neves Ghana Croatia