West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has received a strong public backing from within the Portugal setup. This comes after he was left out of Roberto Martínez’s final squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The 21-year-old had already been involved with Portugal’s senior side before. After an impressive season in the Premier League, there had been real expectation he could force his way into the final selection.
Instead, Fernandes will spend June back with Portugal’s U21 squad for a friendly against Northern Ireland.
That disappointment was openly acknowledged on Tuesday by Portugal U21 manager Luís Freire. He used a large part of his press conference to defend the West Ham player. Additionally, he explained why nobody inside the national setup is worried about his long-term future.
Mateus Fernandes was involved in two major moments at the end of the season – first in the handball controversy against Everton, then with a missed one-on-one chance against Newcastle – but despite those incidents, his stock remains extremely strong both at club and international level.
Portugal coach admits Fernandes’ frustration
Speaking after naming his U21 squad, Freire admitted Fernandes is naturally hurt by missing out on the World Cup.
He said: “Players like Mateus Fernandes have already been with the senior team and have enormous pride in representing Portugal at any level. They have already proved a lot in Portuguese football and done work that should leave them proud.
“Today, he may be a little sad for not going to the World Cup, but they are certain they are already the present and can be the future of the national team.”
Of course Portugal’s midfield competition is arguably stronger than ever. Martínez has several experienced options ahead of him. That reduced the available space despite the West Ham player’s strong campaign.
Still, Freire made it clear Fernandes remains fully inside Portugal’s long-term plans. He is very well regarded, hence the speculation around a possible exit this summer.
Midfielder praised after Premier League campaign
The Portugal coach then moved into a much more detailed assessment of Fernandes’ development at West Ham.
“He was picked as one of the best young players of the year in the Premier League,” Freire said. “We know he is someone who has had a huge importance in one of the best leagues in the world.”
“He has great tactical versatility. We know he can play as a 6, an 8 or a 10. Mateus is a player with physical dimension and experience for his age. He is one of the most important players in our group.”
Freire also confirmed Fernandes has become a leadership figure within the Portugal U21 side.
“He is our team captain, he has had exemplary behaviour and tactically he is in the best league in the world to be performing at the highest level,” he said.
“Mateus is growing a lot, he had a great season and he is becoming increasingly complete.”
Bigger Portugal picture explained
Freire also tried to frame Fernandes’ omission as part of a wider process instead of a definitive setback.
“All the U21 team is fighting to get there and we are here to help them. Today they are with the U21s, but tomorrow they can be with the senior national team.”
He then looked further ahead toward future tournaments.
“In a year we have the U21 European Championship, then there is the Nations League, Euro 2028 with the senior side and then the 2030 World Cup at home.”
So Portugal already views this younger generation as a major part of the 2030 project, especially with the tournament set to be hosted partly in Portugal.
Freire ended by insisting several of these players are expected to reach that level.
“Many of them will certainly be part of that historic moment. We have to support them on this path so they continue honouring and being part of the national team, as they have done until now, including with the U21s.”
For West Ham, the overall message from Portugal is actually very positive despite the immediate disappointment.
Fernandes may have missed this World Cup, but internally he still appears to be viewed as one of the country’s most important young midfielders.
