Two of Europe’s expected contenders for the 2026 World Cup tuned up in contrasting but convincing fashion on Saturday, with wins that reflected both depth and intent.
In Lisbon’s wider region, Portugal national football team overcame Chile 2–1 in a friendly that mixed flashes of quality with moments of tension.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in the starting XI, drawing attention early after a goal was ruled out for offside just before the break. The match, however, took a more chaotic turn shortly before half-time when a confrontation led to red cards for Portugal’s Rafael Leão and Chile’s Iván Román, leaving both sides temporarily reduced to ten men.
After the restart, Portugal settled first. Gonçalo Guedes put the hosts ahead in the 58th minute, before Bruno Fernandes added a second with a precise strike from distance. Chile responded late through Lucas Cepeda, but the equaliser never materialised.
Portugal now turn to a final warm-up against Nigeria before heading into a World Cup group that includes DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Elsewhere in Brussels, Belgium national football team produced a far more one-sided performance, defeating Tunisia 5–0 in front of an expectant home crowd.
The match swung firmly in Belgium’s favour after Tunisia’s Ismael Gharbi was sent off for a second booking. From there, Belgium’s attacking rhythm became difficult to contain, with goals from Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Kevin De Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin.
The performance will be viewed as a confidence boost for a side aiming to progress deep into the tournament. Belgium will face Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in Group G.
For Tunisia, the defeat offers lessons rather than alarm as they prepare for a demanding group stage featuring the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden.
With the tournament approaching, both Portugal and Belgium leave this round of friendlies with positives, control, goals, and a reminder of the margins that often decide World Cup campaigns.
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