‘This group of players raised my expectations’: Bruno Fernandes reacts to Portugal’s World Cup exit

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) and Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes (8) (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes has admitted he is struggling to accept his side’s early exit from the FIFA World Cup following their 1-0 defeat by Spain in the round of 16. Portugal entered the tournament as one of the favourites, especially after winning the 2025 UEFA Nations League and boasting a strong squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo and several Champions League-winning PSG stars. Fernandes also arrived in top form after an excellent season with Manchester United, where he set the all-time Premier League record for most assists in a single season.Fernandes took to Instagram to express his emotions after Portugal’s exit.“Sad, frustrated and disappointed,” wrote Fernandes, 31.He said the quality of Portugal’s squad gave him high hopes of a deep run at the World Cup.“This group of players has raised my expectations, not only because of their quality, but also because of the incredible squad we have built over the years,” Fernandes wrote.Portugal managed just two wins in five games, beating Uzbekistan and Croatia before being knocked out by Spain.Despite the disappointment, Fernandes thanked everyone who supported the team throughout the tournament.“Thank you to all the players, the coaching staff and everyone who supported us and helped us every day during the World Cup,” he wrote.“To all the Portuguese people, a big thank you for your support and faith.”