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Portugal Pays Tribute to Late Teammate Diogo Jota at 2026 World Cup

By Kameron Duncan Men's Journal

One year ago, Diogo Jota's participation at the 2026 World Cup was nearly certain. Jota had just helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League final against perennial power Spain, and he was instrumental in Liverpool's 2025 Premier League title.

Sadly, just weeks after lifting the Nations League trophy with his countrymen, Jota and his brother died in a car accident. The soccer world was stunned and saddened by Jota's sudden passing, most of all because he had been married only 11 days before his death.

Jota left behind a wife and three children, but Liverpool and the sport as a whole ensured that he would be remembered with countless tributes. In their first major tournament since his death, the Portuguese national team has done the same for Jota at the 2026 World Cup.

Portgual's Moving Tribute to Fallen Teammate

Jota was posthumously added to the 26-man squad Portugal sent to the World Cup, and each member of the team is wearing a bracelet bearing his name while they play. This World Cup would have been his first, as he missed out on selection for the 2022 team in Qatar with an injury.

Portuguese midfielder Vitinha told reporters that Prime Minister Luis Montenegro presented the team with the wristbands before they arrived in North America for this World Cup. The players were moved by the gesture from the Prime Minister, and pledged to wear the wristbands throughout the tournament.

Jota played in 49 international matches for Portugal, scoring 14 goals. In addition to Liverpool, Jota also played at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League and Atletico Madrid in Spain.

Jota's Teammates Continue to Honor Him

"Of course, there is also the World Cup. The dream of dreams. But this summer, it will be very different. We will not just have 26 players. We will be 26 + 1," Jota's Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot said in a piece for The Players' Tribune.

"I think all we can do is to chase his dream. He wanted so badly to see Portugal become world champions. We won't just be fighting for our country. We'll be fighting for Diogo."

Portugal begins their World Cup on Wednesday against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and they'll play at least two more group stage games against Uzbekistan and Colombia.

After this week's tribute and the outpouring of emotion the team has shown over the last several months, it's clear that Diogo Jota will be in their hearts and minds through each of those games.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 11:40 AM.

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