Portugal manager sends home four stars after qualification but Leao remains

Santos has reduced his squad to 26 players after beating North Macedonia in a play-off final

Portugal coach Fernando Santos has cut four players from his squad after their 2-0 win over North Macedonia in a World Cup play-off final on Tuesday.

The players who have been sent home are: Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves, Fabio Silva and Renato Sanches.

The decision to send these players home is likely due to the fact that Santos wants to have a smaller squad for the World Cup, which starts next month.

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, who was a doubt for the play-off final due to injury, has been included in the squad.

The 23-year-old Leao has been in impressive form for Milan this season, scoring 14 goals in all competitions.

Portugal have been drawn in Group H for the World Cup, alongside Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.

They will open their campaign against Ghana on November 24.