International football returns with Wales back in the top tier of the Nations League and facing a difficult test in their A4 group opener against 2025 winners Portugal.
Craig Bellamy’s side missed out on the World Cup after heartbreak in a penalty shootout defeat in their play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but their reward for winning League B in 2024 is a return to the top of the Nations League, where they face Cristiano Ronaldo and co.
Lionel Messi may have retired from international football but his Portuguese counterpart is still going, and has been called up to the Nations League squad despite criticism of some poor performances during the World Cup and a widely held belief that the team would be better served by younger, fitter players.
Former head coach Roberto Martinez was lambasted for failing to drop him but new manager Jorge Jesus has also kept faith with the 41-year-old, who stands 21 shy of his target of 1000 goals and will be eyeing this fixture as a chance to inch closer to that milestone.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Portugal v Wales?
Portugal host Wales at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon on Thursday 24 September, with kick-off at 7.45pm BST.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC One Wales and S4C
Team news
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Dylan Lawlor not even in the original squad due to injuries, while Nathan Broadhead and keeper Karl Darlow have also withdrawn. Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas gets the start in attack, along with David Brooks and Brennan Johnson.
Portugal have no injury concerns to report and Cristiano Ronaldo starts in new coach Jorge Jesus’ first game, with a talent-filled attack that also includes Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes.
Confirmed line-ups
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
