Portugal players wore special wristbands during their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match against DR Congo at Houston Stadium on Tuesday, in memory of Diogo Jota.

The gesture was a tribute to the Portugal and Liverpool forward, who died in a road accident in 2025. Bernardo Silva was among the players seen wearing the band on his left wrist during the match.

According to a Reuters report, the wristbands were given to the Portugal squad by Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. The bands carried the names of the current Portugal players, along with Jota’s name, making the tribute a collective remembrance from the national team.

Jota’s family was also present at the stadium for the match. They appeared emotional when images of the forward were shown on the big screen during the Portuguese national anthem, adding a poignant moment before the game began.

Portugal midfielder Vitinha had said before the match that the team would wear the wristbands on the pitch. He also confirmed that the bands met FIFA’s requirements, allowing the players to use them during the game.

Jota remained an important figure in the Portugal dressing room. He scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for the national team and was widely regarded as a valued teammate.

Ruben Neves, a close friend of Jota, is also reportedly set to wear the No. 21 jersey, the number previously worn by Jota for Portugal. The decision further underlined how strongly the squad continues to remember him.

Portugal’s tribute at the World Cup showed that Jota’s legacy remains deeply connected to the national team. The wristbands were a simple but powerful reminder of his place among his teammates and supporters.