Portugal v Wales LIVE: Ronaldo doesn’t score but Portugal edge to Nations League win

Wales fell to an opening 1-0 Nations League defeat to Portugal as Cristiano Ronaldo drew a blank in Lisbon.

On an evening when Ronaldo missed a slew of chances and had a second-half effort ruled out by a VAR intervention, it was his Al Nassr teammate Joao Felix who settled the contest.

Ronaldo was winning cap number 234 after deciding to prolong his international career following a disappointing World Cup, but his contribution ended when substituted after 67 minutes.

The manner of Felix’s 22nd minute goal was cruel on Wales, deflecting off Ben Davies, but it could not be denied that Portugal deserved their victory by having 22 shots to five.

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Cristiano Ronaldo draws blank as Wales edged out by Portugal in Nations League

Portugal vs Wales live updates

• Wales slip to narrow 1-0 defeat to Portugal in Nations League opener
• Cristiano Ronaldo starts but misses sitter and has another effort ruled out for offside
• REPORT: Cristiano Ronaldo draws blank as Wales edged out by Portugal in Nations League
• 76 - CROSSBAR! Johnson clips the bar and Dias brilliantly blocks Koumas shot on the line [POR 1-0 WAL]
• 59' - NO GOAL! Ronaldo sees goal disallowed for offside [POR 1-0 WAL]
• 22' - GOAL! Felix fires Portugal ahead from the edge of the box [POR 1-0 WAL]

Cristiano Ronaldo draws blank as Wales edged out by Portugal in Nations League

Thursday 24 September 2026 22:16 , Luke Baker

Wales fell to an opening 1-0 Nations League defeat to Portugal as Cristiano Ronaldo drew a blank in Lisbon.

On an evening when Ronaldo missed a slew of chances and had a second-half effort ruled out by a VAR intervention, it was his Al Nassr team-mate Joao Felix who settled the contest.

Ronaldo was winning cap number 234 after deciding to prolong his international career following a disappointing World Cup, but his contribution ended when substituted after 67 minutes.

The manner of Felix’s 22nd minute goal was cruel on Wales, deflecting off Ben Davies, but it could not be denied that Portugal deserved their victory by having 23 shots to five.

Cristiano Ronaldo draws blank as Wales edged out by Portugal in Nations League

WATCH: Ronaldo misses sitter

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:55 , Luke Baker

Cristiano Ronaldo was hunting a 980th goal of his career but couldn’t quite find it.

Here was a golden opportunity he missed

Ronaldo goes close 🤏

Wales remain a goal behind as Portugal go close to doubling the lead 🇵🇹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 pic.twitter.com/Thu1xruYDv

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) September 24, 2026

WATCH: Joao Felix's goal decides it

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:48 , Luke Baker

Here is Joao Felix’s first-half goal that was ultimately the difference in Lisbon

Portugal get the breakthrough 🇵🇹

Joao Felix opens the scoring for Portugal after 21 minutes. ⚽#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/HuctbXfuio

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) September 24, 2026

FULL-TIME! Portugal 1-0 Wales

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:40 , Luke Baker

And there’s the final whistle! Plenty of positives for Wales to take as they weren’t blown away by a star-studded Portugal but couldn’t fashion a goal.

Joao Felix’s first-half goal was enough in the end. Cristiano Ronaldo huffed and puffed but had a terrible miss from six yards and saw a strike ruled out for offside.

All three points for Portugal though and Jorge Jesus begins his tenure with a win.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 90+5 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:38 , Luke Baker

Wales counter-attack from the corner and they briefly had a three on three but Johnson’s pass to Thomas is slippy and his attempted loft through is then poor. Portugal survive.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 90+3 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:37 , Luke Baker

Lovely skill by Dalot with a backheel in the box that finds Felix but Davies blocks his shot well. Out for a corner.

The corner is played short and then eventually whipped in, where Williams is forced to head behind again. Time running out and the ball at the wrong end of the pitch for Wales.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 90 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:34 , Luke Baker

Was that a chance? Moore gets some space down the left and then takes a shade too long to gets his cross in.

Tries to slip in Dan James at the back stick but it’s too far in front of him and he’s got no chance of getting there, even though he was unmarked at the back post. Moore acknowledges he should have done better.

Couple of late subs for Portugal as Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo are replaced by Joao Neves and Diogo Dalot.

Five minutes of added time. Could Wales...?

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 88 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:31 , Luke Baker

Wales put a free-kick in the box, aiming for Moore, but Portugal head it away. Just a couple of minutes left - Wales have kept themselves in this game really well, can they find an equaliser?

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 85 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:28 , Luke Baker

Ramos gets a shot away but it’s straight at Ward, who comfortably catches it.

Wales are generally starting to put some pressure on though. Thomas surges forward but his cross can’t find a teammate in the box.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 82 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:25 , Luke Baker

Veiga and Tavares don’t communicate, Wales get a cross in towards Moore and Dias does brilliantly to block it for a corner.

The cross is put in and Ampadu gets a header on it but it’s harmlessly wide of the left post.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 80 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:22 , Luke Baker

A switch of Nunos by Portugal. Nuno Tavares on for Nuno Mendes.

The latter has been absolutely brilliant today. Surely the best left-back in the world right now?

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 78 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:21 , Luke Baker

Wow! What a warning that was for Portugal. This game isn’t won yet.

A couple of attacking subs from Wales as Sorba Thomas and Kieffer Moore come on for Jordan James and Lewis Koumas. Have they got an equaliser in them?

CROSSBAR! Portugal 1-0 Wales, 76 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:20 , Luke Baker

OH MY WORD! How has that not gone in.

There’s a great ball over the top for Johnson to run in behind. He does so well to keep it in and hook a cross from the byline over Costa that bounces on the top of the crossbar.

It drops down and Koumas turns it goalwards from five yards out but Dias brilliantly blocks it on the line. Dan James then tries to turn the ball in as he’s falling but it bounces through to goalkeeper Costa who has recovered. How close can you get!

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 74 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:17 , Luke Baker

That was a mess from Portugal. A ludicrous, lofted pass across the backline has Veiga stretching, he tries to head the ball back to his keeper with Dan James lurking but nods it out for a corner.

Portugal defend the corner well though so no real damage done.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 72 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:15 , Luke Baker

A worry for Wales and Swansea here. Ben Cabango goes down and looks in a bit of pain. Physio comes on and he’ll be subbed off.

He’s able to walk off, although then drops to the floor again a few metres from the touchline. It’s more to waste time, I think and the referee agrees as he books him...

Chris Mepham comes on at centre-back.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 69 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:12 , Luke Baker

Neco Williams gets in behind the Portugal defence, who are caught cold. He waits for some movement in the box, it doesn’t come and his cross is blocked out for a throw.

The Nottingham Forest man looks frustrated at the lack of urgency from his team-mates in the box there.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 68 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:11 , Luke Baker

And now a double substitution for Portugal. Ronaldo is removed by new coach Jorge Jesus and he hands his captain’s armband to Bruno Fernandes.

Ruben Neves also departs as Goncalo Ramos and Joao Palhinha enter the fray

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 65 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:09 , Luke Baker

Dan James on for Wales as David Brooks takes his leave. James immediately injects a bit of energy with some enthusiastic pressing.

Ronaldo then takes a shot on the turn but it’s straight at Ward.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 63 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:07 , Luke Baker

Ultimately it wasn’t to be for Cristiano Ronaldo despite the initial celebrations.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 61 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:05 , Luke Baker

The atmosphere has suddenly turned funereal here after that disallowed goal!

NO GOAL! Portugal 1-0 Wales (Cristiano Ronaldo, 59 mins)

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:04 , Luke Baker

There it is! One of the greatest players of all-time has his goal!

Bruno Fernandes fizzes a low ball through with the outside of his foot. Cristiano Ronaldo times his run, gets behind Ben Davies and then slots the ball past Danny Ward, watching it bobble into the corner.

BUT WAIT! VAR want to have a look at this... Yep! Ronaldo went a touch too soon and he was just offside! Goal (correctly) ruled out. Disappointment for Ronaldo and boos from the crowd.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 56 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 21:01 , Luke Baker

Wales have steadied things down slightly since the early flurry of Portugal chances at the start of the half.

Now Craig Bellamy’s men attack. Williams with a gorgeous long ball up to Johnson who cushions it down for Brooks and his flash shot ends in the side-netting. A flag goes up though - Johnson was offside from the initial long ball

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 51 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:55 , Luke Baker

Cheeky little penalty appeal for Wales as Johnson bursts into the area , checks back slightly and goes down with Cancelo in close pursuit.

Initially it looks like there’s nothing in it but a replay shows there may have been contact... VAR has a look and it’s cleared.

MISS! Portugal 1-0 Wales, 49 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:54 , Luke Baker

Oh, that is a bad miss from Cristiano Ronaldo! Portugal win the ball in the Welsh half, Neves bursts clear down the right, crosses for Ronaldo six yards out but he volleys it over the bar! Disbelief from the 41-year-old as he ends up in the net but the ball doesn’t. Has to score!

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 47 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:50 , Luke Baker

Cancelo backheels the ball straight out of play and a sarcastic cheer comes from the travelling Welsh fans.

Portugal soon attack again though. Ronaldo with his patented stepovers to get to the by-line but his cross is touch too high for Felix and Wales survive

KICK-OFF! Portugal 1-0 Wales

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:49 , Luke Baker

Back underway in Lisbon. No changes for either side at the break

HALF-TIME! Portugal 1-0 Wales

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:41 , Luke Baker

A fascinating first half of action

WATCH: Joao Felix's goal to put Portugal ahead

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:37 , Luke Baker

Here’s the decisive moment of the first half. Joao Felix firing Portugal ahead on 22 minutes

Portugal get the breakthrough 🇵🇹

Joao Felix opens the scoring for Portugal after 21 minutes. ⚽#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/HuctbXfuio

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) September 24, 2026

HALF-TIME! Portugal 1-0 Wales

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:34 , Luke Baker

No injury time (that’s a rarity) and that’s half-time. Portugal lead thanks to Joao Felix’s strike from the edge of the box and they’ve dominated proceedings in Lisbon.

It’s hard to see how Wales can get back into this match but keep it at 1-0 for a while longer and you never know.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 44 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:31 , Luke Baker

Wales will be perfectly happy to scrape through to half-time just 1-0 down. Truthfully, Portugal should probably lead by more than the one goal that they do.

CHANCE! Portugal 1-0 Wales, 41 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:27 , Luke Baker

Ball over the top for James and Costa has to be quick off his line to get out of his area and head the ball away. I love a goalkeeper header! Good work from the Porto stopper.

Portugal then race up the other end. Felix finds space, gets the ball to Ronaldo and he gets a shot away but Ward is down well to initially save it, then smother.

MISS! Portugal 1-0 Wales, 38 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:24 , Luke Baker

Another chance for Ronaldo as Cancelo gets to the byline and stand a cross up to the back post. The 979-goal man produces a lovely volley technique from a tight angle but his shot hits the side netting. Was going to be tough to score from there

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 36 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:23 , Luke Baker

Davies trips Felix on the edge of the box. Clumsy. And we know who will fancy this free-kick, 25 yards out...

Wales diligently prepare the wall, including human draught excluder on the floor... Ronaldo trots up, tries to knuckle-ball it over the wall but it hits the wall and bounces away. Frustration for the great man.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 34 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:21 , Luke Baker

Mendes with a long, mazy run. The left-back is playing brilliantly here. Williams just about nicks the ball off him in the box but it falls to Ronaldo, who tees up Felix and his shot is scuffed well wide.

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 31 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:19 , Luke Baker

Portugal piling the pressure on now. Godo movement by Felix, finding space between two defenders and his shot is blocked wide by Davies.

The corner is dangerous and Davies again is the man to put it behind. Some claims of handball from Portugal as the ball appeared to brush Sheehan’s arm as it bounced in the box but it was by his side, so nothing doing.

WATCH: Joao Felix finds the breakthrough

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:15 , Luke Baker

Here’s that Joao Felix goal. Could Danny Ward do a bit better?

Portugal get the breakthrough 🇵🇹

Joao Felix opens the scoring for Portugal after 21 minutes. ⚽#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/HuctbXfuio

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) September 24, 2026

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 26 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:14 , Luke Baker

Wales try to respond. Brooks dinks a chip into the box searching for James but it’s too far in front of him and harmlessly bounces through to Costa between the sticks

Portugal 1-0 Wales, 24 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:13 , Luke Baker

A real mountain for Wales to climb now from a goal behind. They started well but Portugal just stepped it up a gear before that goal.

GOAL! Portugal 1-0 Wales (Joao Felix, 22 mins)

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:12 , Luke Baker

And there’s the breakthrough! Portugal had stepped it up in the last few minutes and now take the lead.

Great work by Nuno Mendes to escape the clutches of Ampadu and then play the ball inside to Joao Felix. He takes a touch and shoots from 20 yards.

It’s not the most powerful or right in the corner but it goes beyond the diving Danny Ward. Surely he can do better there? It does look like the shot took a slight bobble of the boot of Ben Davies but I wonder if the Wales goalkeeper will still be a bit disappointed.

CLOSE! Portugal 0-0 Wales, 21 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:09 , Luke Baker

Great ball in from the right from Mendes. Right in the corridor of uncertainty, just beyond Ronaldo but comes through to Neto at the back post who stretches and gets a touch but it’s just wide of the post.

Portugal 0-0 Wales, 20 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:07 , Luke Baker

Koumas doing a very nice job backing into Veiga, holding the ball up and winning free-kicks. Portugal’s star-studded midfield are being kept in check as well so far. Ampadu doing a job on Vitinha and Sheehan doggedly tracking Neves.

CHANCE! Portugal 0-0 Wales, 17 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:04 , Luke Baker

Great touch by Felix to play in Ronaldo whose shot is well blocked by a sliding Welsh defender for a corner.

And that’s not far away! Corner worked short before being curled into the box where Dias rises highest but the ball is slightly behind the Man City defender and his header goes over the bar.

Portugal 0-0 Wales, 15 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:03 , Luke Baker

Koumas backs into Veiga on halfway and wins the free-kick. Good work from the Liverpool man.

There’s been good running off the ball by Wales every time they’re in possession, with Brooks overlapping on Williams.

The frustration is starting to grow a touch in the Portuguese crowd. We’ve had a Mexican wave already...

Portugal 0-0 Wales, 13 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 20:00 , Luke Baker

Felix can’t quite dig it out of his feet and his shot on goal isn’t the best, but it deflects wide off Davies for a corner.

The cross from the corner falls to Neves on the edge of the box and he lashes it goalwards but it flies wide. Not too far away, to be fair

CLOSE! Portugal 0-0 Wales, 10 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 19:57 , Luke Baker

Errant pass from Cancelo, looking for Felix but the ball rolls out for a goal-kick. New Portugal boss Jorge Jesus is already animated on the bench!

Then a chance for Portugal. Ronaldo slips in behind the defence, shoots from the left side of the box and his shot across goal flashes just wide. Ward dived and had it covered but not far away from the middle-aged striker.

Portugal 0-0 Wales, 6 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 19:54 , Luke Baker

Really bright start from Wales! The pressing is proving effective and Williams intercepts a loose pass in the Portugal half. Johnson then weaves his way into the box before seeing his low cross blocked.

Then a great chance! James with a stunning ball in from the right, Koumas gets half a yard on his man, meets the ball on the volley eight yards out but it’s over the bar. Ah, flag up anyway - Koumas was offside - but that was promising from the visitors.

Portugal 0-0 Wales, 4 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 19:51 , Luke Baker

Sheehan catches Ruben Neves trying to win the ball back but they won’t mind that too much. Let ‘em know you’re here and all that.

A spell of possession for Wales in their own half and they’re keen to play it out from the back. A couple of nervy moments but no glaring errors yet.

Portugal 0-0 Wales, 2 mins

Thursday 24 September 2026 19:49 , Luke Baker

Wales in their lush yellow kits this evening. They certainly look the part. They’re also pressing early on, trying to pressurise Portugal in possession.

Interestingly, Jordan James is playing very high up the field, almost like a second striker alongside Lewis Koumas in the early stages.

KICK-OFF! Portugal 0-0 Wales

Thursday 24 September 2026 19:47 , Luke Baker

Underway in Lisbon. Can Wales stun the world?

Portugal v Wales team news

Thursday 24 September 2026 19:43 , Luke Baker

Here’s a reminder of the team news this evening with just a couple of minutes until kick-off now.

Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Portugal, with the likes of Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes providing attacking support.

For Wales, Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas gets the start, while David Brooks and Brennan Johnson will also try to break down a formidable Portuguese defence.

Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Ronaldo, Felix

Wales XI: Ward; N Williams, Cabango, Davies, Dasilva; Ampadu, J James, Sheehan; Brooks, Koumas, Johnson

Portugal v Wales

Thursday 24 September 2026 19:40 , Luke Baker

We’re nearly ready for kick-off in Lisbon

Netherlands v Germany coverage

Thursday 24 September 2026 19:35 , Luke Baker

Of course, all your attention will be focussed on this match in Lisbon this evening but if you fancy double-screening it, we’ve also got coverage of Netherlands v Germany.

It’s Jurgen Klopp’s first match as Germany boss so should be a fascinating one. Will Castle has you covered in that heavyweight clash:

Klopp takes charge of Germany for first time against the Netherlands

Wirtz, Ronaldo, Alexander-Arnold: Which players have a point to prove during the international break?

Thursday 24 September 2026 19:28 , Luke Baker

A new cycle for international football begins with the Nations League over the next three weeks as many teams enter a new era under fresh leadership.

Jurgen Klopp’s comeback is the leading story of the international break as he returns to the dugout for the first time in two years, hoping to rebuild Germany after their calamitous World Cup exit to Paraguay in the last-32.

Klopp’s maiden outing will be against Germany’s storied rivals the Netherlands, who themselves have a new figure at the helm in the form of Barcelona legend Xavi.

But all eyes will not be on the technical area, with a plethora of players having a point to prove in a post-World Cup landscape, whether they played in North America this summer or not.

Here are 10 players to watch during the international break:

10 players with a point to prove during the international break

Wales getting ready

Thursday 24 September 2026 19:19 , Luke Baker

It’s a big ask for Wales this evening but they’ve upset the odds plenty of times in recent history.

The squad are in position at Estadio Jose Alvalade and are getting ready for the challenge ahead.

Checking in 🤜 pic.twitter.com/R8nbTr2bbF

— Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) September 24, 2026

Portugal vs Wales betting tips: Predictions, best odds and picks

Thursday 24 September 2026 19:10 , Luke Baker

Portugal are the standout favourites for the win this evening at odds of 1/4, while you can get 16/1 on Wales making a winning return to Group A.

Here are some of our fancied punts for the match.

Portugal vs Wales prediction 1: Total home goals over 1.5 - 7/4 (Betfred)

Portugal vs Wales prediction 2: Ronaldo to score first - 11/4 (Bet365)

Portugal vs Wales betting tips: Predictions, best odds and picks

Cristiano Ronaldo explains decision to continue international career aged 41

Thursday 24 September 2026 18:58 , Luke Baker

Cristiano Ronaldo considered retiring from international football after the World Cup before deciding to extend his Portugal career.

Ronaldo – who turns 42 in February – wins his 234th cap against Wales but, asked if he considered leaving Portugal after the World Cup, Ronaldo said: “Yes I did. Of course, I’m always thinking on my decisions, my future, the present also.

“I’m a thinker. You have to think. This is why you see me here now. It means I will continue.

“I had a conversation with our president, with our coach. I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here.

“I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football.

“This is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be able on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games.”

Portugal team news

Thursday 24 September 2026 18:50 , Luke Baker

As expected, Cristiano Ronaldo starts and will win his 234th international cap. Ludicrous numbers really.

Joao Felix and Pedro Neto will join Ronaldo in attack, with Bruno Fernandes play-making just behind them.

It’s an XI chock full to top-class talent with the likes of Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Nuno Medes and Ruben Dias also starting

Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Ronaldo, Felix

Wales team news

Thursday 24 September 2026 18:42 , Luke Baker

Here’s how Wales line up this evening.

Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas looks set to lead the line, although Brennan Johnson could theoretically fill that role as well, with David Brooks another attacking option.

Ben Davies captains the side from defence, with Ethan Ampadu, Jordan James and Josh James in the engine room.

Wales XI: Ward; N Williams, Cabango, Davies, Dasilva; Ampadu, J James, Sheehan; Brooks, Koumas, Johnson

CYMRU XI 🇵🇹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Lining up in Lisbon 👊

💻 https://t.co/P8i6ISvx6S pic.twitter.com/aeQr9Gog8X

— Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) September 24, 2026

Team news imminent

Thursday 24 September 2026 18:28 , Luke Baker

We’ll be finding out the team news for tonight’s game shortly

Wales boss Craig Bellamy explains why he rejected Burnley after summer saga

Thursday 24 September 2026 18:15 , Luke Baker

Craig Bellamy has insisted remaining with Wales was the correct decision after rejecting the chance to take over at Burnley.

The Turf Moor club had appeared on the verge of appointing Bellamy as their head coach in June, having been granted permission by the Football Association of Wales to enter into talks.

However, the 47-year-old opted to remain in charge of the national side, a role he took up in the summer of 2024.

Read his full reasoning here:

Wales boss Craig Bellamy explains why he rejected Burnley after summer saga

Early Portugal team news

Thursday 24 September 2026 18:04 , Luke Baker

Portugal have no injury concerns to report and Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to start in new coach Jorge Jesus’ first game.

Possible Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, J Neves; Neto, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo

Early Wales team news

Thursday 24 September 2026 18:01 , Luke Baker

Wales’ uphill task has been made even harder by a series of injuries to key players.

Harry Wilson withdrew with a quad injury with Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor not even in the original squad due to injuries. Meanwhile Nathan Broadhead and keeper Karl Darlow have also withdrawn.

Possible Wales XI: Ward; N Williams, Cabango, Norrington-Davies, Dasilva; Ampadu, J James; Brooks, Thomas, Johnson; D James

How to watch Portugal v Wales

Thursday 24 September 2026 17:59 , Luke Baker

Portugal host Wales at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon this evening, with kick-off at 7.45pm BST.

Viewers in the UK can watch the game on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC One Wales and S4C

Portugal v Wales

Thursday 24 September 2026 17:51 , Luke Baker

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Portugal v Wales in the Nations League.

Cristiano Ronaldo is part of new Portugal boss Jorge Jesus’s first squad, while Craig Bellamy’s Wales face a tricky test in their first match back in the top tier of the Nations League