Bernardo Silva benched as Portugal draw 0-0 with Colombia
Bernardo Silva stayed on the bench for Portugal's entire 0-0 draw with Colombia at the 2026 World Cup, playing zero minutes as Roberto Martinez again left the Real Madrid signing out of the starting XI. The result left Portugal second in Group K and set up a last-16 meeting with Croatia. Silva's continued omission became one of the biggest talking points from an entertaining but scoreless finale in Miami.
Key Takeaways
- Bernardo Silva did not leave the bench during Portugal's 0-0 draw with Colombia in their final group-stage match.
- Roberto Martinez picked Ruben Neves and Vitinha in midfield, with Pedro Neto filling the role Silva had held in the opener.
- Portugal finished Group K with five points, two behind Colombia, and will face Croatia in the round of 32.
- Silva had already been dropped for the Uzbekistan win after being substituted at halftime against DR Congo.
- Rafael Leao also started on the bench as Martinez favored Pedro Neto and Joao Felix on the wings.
Why was Bernardo Silva on the bench against Colombia?
Managing Madrid reported that Bernardo Silva played zero minutes in Portugal's goalless draw with Colombia, their final group-stage game at the 2026 World Cup. Bolavip US described the call as a purely tactical decision, with no injury designation attached to the midfielder.
Silva had started Portugal's World Cup opener against DR Congo but was hooked at halftime in favor of Francisco Conceicao. He was also left out of the starting lineup for the 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, and Martinez kept him on the bench again for the Colombia clash.
According to Bolavip, the manager appears to believe other options offer more raw speed and dynamism against a physical Colombian side. Squawka noted that Pedro Neto and Joao Felix have become Martinez's preferred wing partnership since Silva was dropped.
What happened in Portugal's 0-0 draw with Colombia?
Despite the lack of goals, Managing Madrid called it one of the most entertaining goalless draws in recent history. Both teams created chances throughout, with Colombia seeing Davinson Sanchez's late header ruled out for offside and Portugal pushing close on several attacks.
The stalemate confirmed Colombia as Group K winners on seven points. Portugal ended the group with five points, two behind their opponents, meaning they will face Croatia in the next round rather than topping the section.
For Silva, it was a frustrating night on the sidelines. Managing Madrid noted he would have wanted to return to the starting XI after missing out against Uzbekistan as well.
Who started for Portugal instead of Bernardo Silva?
Martinez's midfield pairing featured Ruben Neves and Vitinha, while Pedro Neto took the place Silva had occupied in the first game. Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes supported Cristiano Ronaldo in attack, with Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, and Nuno Mendes at the back.
Squawka explained the shift that sidelined Silva: Neto was moved from the left to the right wing, and Joao Felix came in on the left, a setup Martinez has kept for Portugal's last two group matches. Rafael Leao also remained a substitute despite scoring off the bench against Uzbekistan.
Silva recently completed a high-profile move from Manchester City to Real Madrid, but that club form has not yet translated into a guaranteed Portugal starting spot at this tournament. For more on high-profile sports shifts like this, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
What comes next for Bernardo Silva and Portugal?
Portugal's path now runs through Croatia in the round of 32. Whether Silva forces his way back into the XI remains an open question after three group games without a start.
Squawka reported that Martinez has a clear favoured starting selection built around Neto, Felix, Vitinha, and Ronaldo. Silva's best route back may be as a late substitute in a knockout tie that could extend beyond 90 minutes.
For full match context, Managing Madrid's match report details how Silva's bench role shaped Portugal's group-stage finish.