£42m former Southampton star makes international debut in 2-0 win

Former Southampton fan favourite midfielder Mateus Fernandes makes his Portugal debut in their 2-0 win over the USA.

The March international break has concluded, leaving a mixed bag of reactions among the Southampton faithful. But the Saints will breathe a sigh of relief that international action is over for the season.

Southampton were able to see out the break with no injuries reported ahead of the final decisive stretch of the season. While this update oozes optimism for the promotion charge, fans will also share in the happiness of a former Saint making his international debut recently.

The player in question is former fan favourite Mateus Fernandes. After blistering performances in the Premier League, the midfielder earned a call‑up to the Portugal senior side and made his debut against the USA.

Fernandes’ brilliant West Ham form earned him Portugal call-up

Mateus Fernandes was Southampton’s best player in their disastrous 2024/25 relegation campaign. When he made a staggering £42m move to West Ham, expectations were high for him to continue that form, and he has delivered it.

Just like his Southampton debut campaign, Fernandes’s first season at West Ham hasn’t been easy. But the Portuguese midfielder has been one of the few bright spots in Nuno Espírito Santo’s relegation‑threatened side.

Mateus Fernandes has played all games for the Hammers since arriving last summer. In fact, the midfielder has been an untouchable starter for West Ham apart from a single matchday where he came off the bench.

Fernandes has registered six goal contributions in this Premier League season so far. With seven games to go this campaign, the midfielder can outperform his debut campaign of 2 goals and 4 assists for Southampton.

Those displays did not go unnoticed by Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez. The U21 captain earned a promotion to the senior side, receiving his first call‑up for the March international break.

Mateus Fernandes’ Portugal debut

After being left on the bench in a 0‑0 draw against Mexico, it was clear Fernandes would get his chance against the USA. A strong 2-0 lead for Portugal within the hour set the stage for his memorable debut

In the 85th minute, Mateus Fernandes replaced Portugal star midfielder Bruno Fernandes in a double substitution. While the game had been done and dusted, the young midfielder still made an impression in his first senior appearance.

Fernandes played in the attacking midfield role and managed eight touches in his short spell. He maintained 100% pass accuracy, along with an interception and a recovery in his 10‑minute cameo.

However, the highlight of his debut was when he was entrusted with a late corner. Mateus played it short and helped Portugal see out the 2-0 victory comfortably.

Will Mateus Fernandes be called up for the USA World Cup 2026?

Given his consistent performances, the 21‑year‑old is a deserving candidate for a spot in Portugal’s 26‑man World Cup squad. A timely debut before the tournament only strengthens Mateus Fernandes’ case.

Realistically, though, it may be the next World Cup before Fernandes actually secures a ticket.

That’s because Portugal’s March International break squad list missed several key players like Bernardo Silva, João Palhinha and other midfielders. Given that those senior players were rested ahead of the busy summer, Fernandes’ debut chances became strong.

Currently, Mateus Fernandes lies far below in Portugal’s pecking order. With star players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, João Neves, Rúben Neves, and João Palhinha all ahead of him, Roberto Martinez may be forced to leave him out of the World Cup squad.

That could make for double heartbreak for Mateus Fernandes this summer. Already facing the threat of Premier League relegation with West Ham, missing out on the World Cup would be a massive blow for the prodigy.

But with the talent he possesses, a bright future awaits Mateus Fernandes in the Premier League and with the Portugal national side.