- West Ham United are on the brink of relegation
- A number of West Ham players have made their respective World Cup squads
- However, Mateus Fernandes was left out of the Portugal World Cup squad
Despite an abject season that could culminate in relegation, West Ham United could have numerous representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, as players from across the Hammers‘ squad prepare to head to North America after the completion of the domestic season.
West Ham are in the Premier League relegation zone, and if Tottenham Hotspur beat Chelsea on Tuesday night, it would seal the Hammers’ relegation from the English top-flight. However, a few players are set to feature in the sport’s biggest tournament this summer.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been called up for DR Congo, whilst Tomáš Souček is expected to be a crucial part of the Czech Republic’s travelling pack. Yet, one star has been unfortunate to miss the cut of a contending nation.
West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes left out of Portugal World Cup squad
Despite rising hopes that the 21-year-old would receive a call-up from Roberto Martínez, midfielder Mateus Fernandes was left off of Portugal’s final selection after the Seleção’s announcement on Tuesday lunchtime.
Fernandes has had a breakout debut season at the London Stadium after joining from Southampton last summer, rapidly establishing himself as one of the Hammers’ star players because of his poise in possession, energy in midfield and maturity beyond his years.
The Portuguese youngster was rewarded for his club form earlier this year with his first senior international call-up, and he made his debut in March against the United States. “What Mateus is doing now is incredible,” Martinez said in March when asked about Fernandes’ involvement.
“We all know his journey and what he did in the under-21s. It’s very important for us to see what he can do, his energy, his versatility. He deserves this call-up to the national team.”
The camp looked to boost Fernandes’ chances of joining Martinez’s World Cup squad, especially after some strong performances in claret and blue during the final parts of the Premier League season. Instead, the Portugal manager went with more experienced midfielders, picking proven internationals like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Joao Neves, as well as former Premier League player Ruben Neves as part of a star-studded group for this summer’s finals.
While the omission will likely disappoint Fernandes, the midfielder’s long-term international and club prospects remain incredibly promising, with a number of European clubs circling around his signature in the anticipation of his sale from West Ham this summer.
