Samu Costa World Cup call stuns as Martínez drops Palhinha from Portugal squad

Roberto Martínez has delivered the first major shock of Portugal's World Cup preparations by selecting Mallorca midfielder Samu Costa ahead of Tottenham's João Palhinha in his 27-man squad for the tournament running from 11 June to 19 July.

The Aveiro-born midfielder, who helped Portugal win the Nations League but remains largely unknown to many Portuguese fans, has displaced one of the Premier League's most experienced defensive midfielders in a decision that reveals Martínez's tactical priorities for the expanded North American tournament.

Why Samu Costa's Mallorca form has caught Martínez's eye

Costa's inclusion represents a significant gamble on La Liga form over Premier League pedigree. The midfielder has established himself as a crucial component of Mallorca's midfield this season, earning his first senior call-up during the March international break.

The Nations League connection

Despite his relative anonymity, Costa already owns a Nations League winners' medal with Portugal. This previous involvement with the national team setup suggests Martínez has been monitoring the player for longer than many realise.

The Mallorca midfielder's ability to function as what the Spanish press calls a "pendulum" in midfield offers Martínez tactical flexibility that clearly appeals to the former Belgium manager's vision for Portugal's World Cup campaign.

La Liga's tactical demands

Playing regularly in La Liga has exposed Costa to a style of football that demands technical precision and positional discipline. These qualities align with Martínez's preference for midfielders who can maintain possession under pressure while providing defensive stability.

The timing of Costa's emergence is crucial. With the World Cup scheduled for June and July, his current form carries more weight than historical reputation.

João Palhinha's Tottenham struggles: Has the Premier League move backfired?

Palhinha's omission marks a dramatic fall from grace for a player who was previously considered indispensable to Portugal's midfield structure. His summer move to Tottenham was meant to elevate his international standing.

From Fulham favourite to Spurs substitute

The defensive midfielder's transition from Fulham, where he was a guaranteed starter and fan favourite, to competing for minutes at Tottenham has clearly impacted his international prospects. Martínez appears unwilling to select players who aren't playing regularly at club level.

Roberto Martínez surprised by calling up the Mallorca midfielder instead of the Tottenham number 6

This decision sends a clear message to Portuguese internationals: consistent playing time trumps club prestige. Palhinha's situation at Tottenham, where he faces competition from established midfielders, has cost him his World Cup place.

The importance of match rhythm

International managers increasingly prioritise players in regular action over those warming benches at bigger clubs. Palhinha's reduced minutes at Tottenham have left him vulnerable to hungrier alternatives who are playing week in, week out.

What this selection tells us about Portugal's World Cup tactics

Martínez's preference for Costa over Palhinha reveals a potential tactical evolution in Portugal's approach to the World Cup. The selection suggests a move away from traditional defensive midfielders towards more versatile options.

Building from La Liga principles

Costa's "pendulum" role at Mallorca indicates Martínez wants midfielders who can:

• Switch between defensive and attacking phases seamlessly
• Maintain positional discipline while offering creative passing
• Adapt to different tactical systems within matches
• Press effectively in coordinated defensive structures

This philosophy aligns with modern international football's demands, where versatility often proves more valuable than specialisation.

The risk-reward calculation

Selecting an uncapped player for a World Cup represents a significant gamble. However, Martínez's track record suggests he values current form and tactical fit over reputation.

For World Cup 2026, where the expanded format offers more margin for error in the group stage, managers can afford to take calculated risks with squad selection.

What happens next

Costa's World Cup selection places immense pressure on the Mallorca midfielder to justify Martínez's faith when Portugal begin their campaign in June. His performances in the remaining La Liga fixtures will be scrutinised for any signs of form fluctuation.

For Palhinha, this snub could prove career-defining. The Tottenham midfielder must now decide whether to seek regular first-team football elsewhere or fight for his place at Spurs, knowing that his international future depends on playing time rather than the prestige of his club address.