Cancelo criticizes Portugal's World Cup draw, Barcelona future uncertain

Updated on: 18/06/2026 13:54 CEST By: Laura Aparicio – Barça Correspondent

João Cancelo (32 years old) is living decisive weeks both with the Portuguese national team and at club level. While his future remains unresolved and FC Barcelona is working to bring him in this summer after his loan from Al Hilal in the last transfer window, the full-back started on Wednesday in Portugal's disappointing debut in the 2026 World Cup, which ended in an unexpected draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1-1).

The Portuguese defender began the match on the right flank and ended up playing on the left, his usual position under Hansi Flick, in a lackluster performance for Roberto Martínez's team. Portugal took an early lead thanks to a goal from João Neves, but was unable to impose its superiority and eventually conceded a draw that raised many doubts about its aspirations in the tournament.

Cancelo was one of the most active players for the Portuguese side. He even scored with a spectacular bicycle kick in the second half, although the action was disallowed for offside. After the match, the player did not hide his disappointment and made a strong self-criticism.

"This draw feels like a defeat. We wanted to win, not just for ourselves, but for everything surrounding this group. We didn't achieve it, we failed, and we have to keep our feet on the ground and correct the mistakes."

— Cancelo, as reported by Portuguese newspaper A Bola

The full-back considered that one of Portugal's main problems was rushing with the ball.

"We controlled the game with possession, but we didn't have many chances to score. We need to create more. There were moments when we rushed, and that led to counterattacks for the opponent."

Cancelo insisted that the team lost offensive clarity after the initial 1-0 lead.

"We scored the goal and had about 15 minutes playing well, but we didn't create chances. We rushed in the final third of the field."

Furthermore, he called for an immediate reaction ahead of the next World Cup match.

"In the next game, only winning counts. Substitutes, starters, the whole group has to be united. It's in difficulties that great teams emerge."

Future Points Toward Barça

Meanwhile, his future continues to point toward Barcelona. The Catalan club considers the Portuguese international one of the priorities for the next market, although the operation with Al Hilal is complex.

After arriving on loan last January to the Catalan entity, Cancelo still has one year left on his contract in Saudi Arabia, but his desire is to return to the Spotify Camp Nou.

At Barça, they are aware that negotiations could drag on for several weeks. The sporting situation of Al Hilal, pending the definition of its structure and the future of Simone Inzaghi, could be key to unlocking an operation in which Jorge Mendes is also working. Despite this, both the player and the Catalan entity remain calm, convinced that the will of both parties may ultimately be decisive.