With the World Cup kicking off, all eyes are on the pitch. The world is waiting to see the talent, the strategy, and the passion of a national team that always steps onto the grass to win. But our ability to put on a show and claim victory does not end when the referee blows the final whistle. Beyond the stadiums and the touchlines, Portugal fields a world-class squad made of experiences, landscapes, and flavours that are absolutely unbeatable.

We have united tourism with the world of football to present you with our official call-ups. We have drawn up the ultimate "Starting Eleven" for some of the country’s greatest assets: Waves, Flavours, Nature, Heritage and Golf. We are showing why Portugal stands among the best, both on and off the pitch. Meet the teams that are ready to play. It’s Portugal Time.

The starting eleven for surfers

Portugal’s coastline is a masterclass in tactical versatility, offering conditions that challenge the most daring athletes on the planet. This is a true lineup built on the balance between experience and boldness, with a strong attacking presence on both the left and the right. This is how we ride against the tide, facing the epic conditions that our sea has to offer.

Leading the defensive line with absolute authority is Nazaré, a global powerhouse famous for its colossal walls of water that demand ultimate courage. Right beside it, the legendary heavy barrels of Supertubos in Peniche complete an unbreakable centre-back pairing, internationally renowned for its power and consistency.

Dictating the rhythm of the game from the midfield is Ribeira d'Ilhas in Ericeira, a World Surfing Reserve that acts as the team's playmaker, offering the most consistent, world-class right-hand breaks. On the flanks, the vibrant energy and relentless pace of the Costa da Caparica guarantee constant dynamism just minutes from the capital, while the lines drawn at the iconic Arrifana beach on the Costa Vicentina bring the perfect balance of natural beauty and elite performance. This is a coast that knows exactly how to command the ocean.

The starting eleven for foodies

Portuguese gastronomy steps onto the pitch with a luxury call-up where every selection reflects excellence: a clear commitment to the richness of our heritage, the quality of local ingredients, and flawless tactical execution. Everything is ready; now all that is left is to savour what this team brings to the table.

Commanding the centre of the park with a historic presence and weight, we find the legendary Chanfana, a traditional dish slowly cooked in a black clay pot with red wine and garlic, dominating the game through robust and comforting flavours. On the frontline, the tactics are devastating: Porto’s imposing Francesinha leads the attack with its perfectly structured layers and secret sauce, closely supported by the mastery and identity of traditional Tripas à Moda do Porto.

On the wings, charcoal-grilled Sardines bring the authentic taste of the coast and the summer, playing at the highest level of freshness. As a surprise element straight from the bench, the Cozido das Furnas in the Azores harnesses volcanic heat and underground steam for a slow cook that opens up entirely new dimensions of flavour. To close the match in grand style and with global distinction, the sophisticated notes of Port and Madeira wines guarantee a memorable finish that stays in the memory long after the final whistle.

The starting eleven for nature lovers

For those who prefer the trails to the terraces, Portugal’s natural reserves and parks offer extraordinary versatility. This is a squad built on depth, resilience, and unpredictability, capable of opening up spaces, controlling the tempo, and changing the course of the match at any moment.

The wing-back positions are completely dominated by the majestic Peneda-Gerês National Park and the breathtaking trails of the Azores, both lending immense width, dramatic elevations, and a total sense of freedom to the game plan. Holding the defensive line is the imposing Serra da Estrela, commanding attention from the highest point of mainland Portugal with its glacial valleys and towering peaks.

In the creative midfield, the mystical, mist-shrouded forests of Sintra and the centuries-old Buçaco forest create a core full of enchantment, history, and pathways waiting to be explored. Completing this luxury squad, the dense, prehistoric Laurissilva Forest of Madeira offers a unique, verdant sanctuary, while the dramatic cliffs of Arrábida create the perfect play where the green mountains plunge straight into the deep blue of the Atlantic. This is nature operating at the highest tactical level.

The starting eleven for historians

History takes the field with a squad shaped by centuries of discoveries, kingdoms, traditions, and remarkable achievements. This is a team where every player tells a different chapter of Portugal's story, transforming the past into something that can still be explored, experienced, and understood today.

Leading the attack is Tomar, home to the monumental Convent of Christ and one of Europe's most important Templar legacies. Alongside it, the medieval strongholds of Marvão and Monsaraz hold their positions with commanding views over the landscape, while the prehistoric engravings of the Côa Valley remind us that Portugal's heritage stretches back long before its borders were drawn.

Controlling the rhythm of the game are places where history and everyday life continue to move together. From the riverside fortress of Almourol to the whitewashed streets of Óbidos and the stone houses of Piódão, each destination brings its own character, preserving centuries of heritage while remaining very much alive.

Completing this remarkable lineup are the Monastery of Batalha, a masterpiece of Portuguese architecture, the historic city of Bragança, the creative village of Cerdeira, and the magnificent Monastery of Alcobaça. Together, they form a team that proves Portugal's greatest stories are not only remembered, they continue to inspire new generations of explorers.

The starting eleven for golfers

Closing the manager’s selections, golf in Portugal presents itself as a true masterclass in precision, strategy, and flawless presentation. Built on greens and fairways that demand both tactical focus and an impeccable style, this team ensures world-class displays under the sun.

The star strikers of the squad are the award-winning championship courses of the Algarve and the Lisbon Coast, globally recognised for offering unbeatable playing conditions, challenging hazards, and stunning coastal backdrops that test the skill of any player.

Supporting them are the true tactical masters, hidden gems nestled along the cliffs or sculpted into the rolling hills of the country's interior, where every hole represents a new scenic challenge, a unique design, and a highly rewarding finish. Whether you are plotting the strategy for a complex dogleg or attempting a decisive putt with the ocean as a backdrop, this is an eleven designed exclusively for peak performance.

Whether on the pitch or beyond it, the real victory lies in exploring everything Portugal has to offer. It’s Portugal Time.