Wales begin life back in the top tier of the Nations League with a difficult test against 2025 winners Portugal in their A4 group opener.
Craig Bellamy’s side missed out on the World Cup after penalties heartbreak in their play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will now look to prove that they belonged among the biggest hitters after winning League B in 2024.
Wales come up against Cristiano Ronaldo and co to kick things off, with the 41-year-old Portuguese captain opting not to follow Lionel Messi into international retirement after the World Cup.
Standing 21 shy of his elusive 1,000-goal target, Ronaldo has been called up to new manager Jorge Jesus’ squad, and starts up front this evening, despite criticism of some poor performances during the summer and a widely held belief that the team would be better served by younger, fitter players.
Portugal vs Wales live updates
- Wales begin their Nations League campaign against 2025 winners Portugal | Kick-off at 7:45pm, live on BBC Two
- Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, named in new manager Jorge Jesus' first starting XI
- Craig Bellamy manages first games since snubbing Burnley job
- Wales XI: Ward; N Williams, Cabango, Davies, Dasilva; Ampadu, J James, Sheehan; Brooks, Koumas, Johnson
- Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Ronaldo, Felix
Cristiano Ronaldo explains decision to continue international career aged 41
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
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
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 🇵🇹🏴
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) September 24, 2026
Lining up in Lisbon 👊
💻 https://t.co/P8i6ISvx6S pic.twitter.com/aeQr9Gog8X
Team news imminent
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
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
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
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
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
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
