West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes suffers World Cup heartbreak after bizarre Roberto Martinez decision

He was called up to the Portuguese national team in March and made his senior debut in a 2-0 victory over the United States.

Martinez has now excluded Fernandes from Portugal’s World Cup squad in favour of some controversial selections.

Which West Ham star do YOU think will go the furthest at the World Cup? 🌎

Mateus Fernandes suffers Portugal World Cup disappointment

Fernandes has become the second shocking omission from the World Cup after Joao Pedro was left out of Brazil’s squad.

What makes Martinez’s decision to leave out Fernandes even more fascinating are three players he has chosen instead.

Firstly, the former Everton and Wigan manager has named four goalkeepers in his squad when only three are required.

Many football fans will be questioning how a fourth-choice goalkeeper could ever be more impactful than a central midfielder.

Secondly, Martinez has picked four right-backs, including ex-Wolves defender Nelson Semedo, who plays for Fenerbahce.

Even though some of them are versatile enough to play at left-back or in midfield, it remains an odd decision by Martinez.

Who do YOU think will join this list in 2026? 🏆 🌎

Bowen? Summerville? Fernandes, maybe?

Finally, the reason for leaving Fernandes out cannot have anything to do with West Ham’s underwhelming 2025/26 campaign.

Martinez has preferred Samu Costa in central midfield, even though Mallorca are 19th in La Liga with one game remaining.

Fernandes must be wondering what more he needed to do this season to have earned a plane ticket to the USA.