Although Portugal were crowned European champions in 2016 and took their second UEFA Nations League title last summer, they are still searching for a first appearance in the World Cup final.

With a well-balanced squad many consider to be the country’s best since Luis Figo’s ‘golden generation’ at the turn of the century failed to claim the silverware their talents had promised, there is a growing belief at home this could be their best chance yet.

Which Chelsea players do Portugal have?

Neto has become an important member of the Portugal team in recent years, as a regular starter on the wing during their qualifying campaign for this tournament, and victory at the Nations League finals last year.

He has scored twice in 23 appearances for his country and featured on the left wing for both their March friendlies in preparation for the World Cup.

Who else is in Portugal’s squad?

Neto joins former Blues Renato Veiga and Joao Felix in a squad with an interesting mix of youth and experience, including the leadership of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be competing at a record sixth World Cup.

The presence of four players who featured for Paris Saint-Germain as they beat Arsenal in this year’s UEFA Champions League final to successfully defend their European crown explains the fans’ confidence, along with one of the most well-rounded Portugal squads of recent tournaments.

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon)

Defenders: Tomas Araujo (Benfica), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Renato Veiga (Villarreal)

Midfielders: Samuel Costa (Real Mallorca), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards: Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Joao Felix (Al-Nassr), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Goncalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting Lisbon)

What teams are in Portugal’s group?

Portugal are expected to fight it out for top spot in Group K with a resurgent Colombia side, which grew during their qualifying campaign to finish third in the South American table.

The two wildcards in the group are Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut under the management of 2006 winning Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, and a DR Congo team which defeated Nigeria and Cameroon to qualify for just the second time.

When are Portugal’s fixtures?

Portugal vs Congo DR, Houston, Wednesday 17 June, 6pm

Portugal vs Uzbekistan, Houston, Tuesday 23 June, 6pm

Colombia vs Portugal, Miami, Sunday 28 June, 12.30am

All times are UK

How did Portugal qualify?

The headlines came early in Portugal’s qualification campaign, when Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace against Hungary made him the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying.

However, it was the emphatic 9-1 win over Armenia on the final day that sealed top spot in their group and a place at this summer’s tournament.

What is Portugal’s World Cup history?

Portugal’s first World Cup appearance remains their most successful, when the team, inspired by the legendary Eusebio, reached the semi-finals in England in 1966 and finished third.

Another semi-final loss in 2006 is the closest they have come to the final since. Four years ago, Portugal were one of the Qatar World Cup’s great entertainers, before suffering a shock defeat to Morocco in the quarter-finals.