“The vacancy now open for our country will have to be confirmed over the next few months, through the achievement of FIS (International Ski Federation) points, in the various events scheduled until the end of the Olympic qualification period at the end of 2025”, announced the Portuguese Winter Sports Federation.

The result of the 28-year-old skier from Évora earned him entry into the world's top 20, continuing the path of good results for Portugal, after 88th place in the Beijing 2022 Games, in cross-country skiing, the best result ever.

“I am very happy with the opening of the Olympic spot, which was the main objective. Of course, I would have liked to have reached the top 10, to guarantee my presence in the 10km final, but, even so, my development is noticeable”, said José Cabeça, quoted by the federation.

The Portuguese will also compete in sprint which could open up a new spot for Portugal.

Filipe and Mariana Cabrita, the first father-daughter duo in the history of the championships, also participated in the Trondheim World Championships: the father, aged 45, was 77th in the 7.5 kilometres, and his daughter, aged 16, finished in 59th place in the women's race.

The Winter Olympics will take place between 6 and 22 February 2026, in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.