| Portugal vs Wales | |
| MATCH | Nations League |
| DATE | 25 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 12.15 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Stadium |
Portugal vs Wales Match Preview
Portugal begin a new chapter under Jorge Jesus when they take on Wales in the Nations League. Jesus was appointed head coach on July 10 following Roberto Martinez's departure after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Selecao das Quinas were eliminated in the last 16 of the World Cup by eventual champions Spain. A 1-0 defeat against La Roja brought an end to Portugal's tournament and also marked their first loss since November 2025.
Portugal have enjoyed considerable success in the Nations League. They won the inaugural edition in 2018-19 after beating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final. More recently, they claimed the 2024-25 title by defeating Spain on penalties in the final.
Jesus' team will compete in League A, Group 4, alongside Wales, Denmark and Norway. Each team will meet the others home and away, with the results determining which sides progress to the knockout stages.
Portugal will face Norway away later in September before beginning October with an away match against Denmark and a home fixture against Norway.
Wales Begin Nations League Campaign
Wales return to League A after securing promotion from League B during the 2024-25 Nations League campaign.
The Dragons missed out on the 2026 World Cup after losing to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the playoff semi-finals in March. Since then, Craig Bellamy's side have played three international matches.
Wales drew against Northern Ireland and Ghana in friendly matches before suffering a 2-1 defeat against Romania in their most recent outing.
Their Nations League record currently stands at 10 wins, five draws and seven defeats from 22 matches.
Wales face a busy schedule during the current international window. After their meeting with Portugal, they will travel to Denmark on September 27 before hosting Norway on October 1 and Denmark on October 4.
Portugal and Wales have met four times previously. Wales' only victory came in a friendly in May 1951. Their only competitive meeting took place in the Euro 2016 semi-finals, when Portugal secured a 2-0 victory through goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.
Portugal form: W D W D W L
Wales form: W W L D D L
Team News
Portugal boss Jorge Jesus has included Cristiano Ronaldo in his first squad, and the veteran forward is expected to start as he continues his international career.
Ronaldo's future with the national team had been questioned following Portugal's World Cup elimination against Spain, but the 41-year-old remains an important part of Jesus' plans. He will be looking to add to his remarkable international goals tally.
There are unlikely to be major surprises in the Portugal lineup. Diogo Costa is expected to start in goal, while Vitinha, Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes could form the midfield.
Wales have several injury concerns ahead of the fixture. Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead and goalkeeper Karl Darlow have all withdrawn from the squad.
David Cornell of Leicester City, Huddersfield Town's Joe Taylor and Reading midfielder Charlie Savage have been called up as replacements.
Bellamy's squad is also missing Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor, Rubin Colwill and Isaak Davies.
Daniel James, David Brooks and Brennan Johnson are expected to feature in the attacking areas, with James potentially being used through the centre.
Portugal will enter the match looking to begin the Jesus era positively, while Wales will be aiming to make a strong return to League A competition.