Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting XI for Portugal against Wales, as confirmed by Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus ahead of their UEFA Nations League opener. The match is officially scheduled for 24 September 2026 in Portugal, which falls early on 25 September in India.
Match Details
- Match: Portugal vs Wales
- Competition: UEFA Nations League 2026/27 – League A
- Date: 24 September 2026
- India Date: 25 September 2026
- Kick-off: 7:45 PM local time / 11:15 PM IST
- Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon
- Portugal Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal are the defending Nations League champions and will begin their campaign under new manager Jorge Jesus.
Cristiano Ronaldo Confirmed in Starting XI
The biggest talking point ahead of the match is Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement. Jorge Jesus has confirmed that Ronaldo will start against Wales, ending uncertainty over whether the veteran forward would be used from the beginning.
Ronaldo, now 41, remains Portugal’s captain and has been included in Jesus’ first 25-man squad. He enters the Nations League looking to add to his record international scoring tally.
Portugal’s Expected Lineup
Portugal are expected to field a strong side around Ronaldo. A predicted XI includes Diogo Costa, João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves, Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The combination of Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves could provide Ronaldo with plenty of creative support, while Pedro Neto and João Félix offer pace and movement around the attack.
Wales Team News
Wales return to League A of the Nations League and face a difficult opening assignment in Lisbon. Their squad includes players such as Brennan Johnson, Daniel James, David Brooks and Ethan Ampadu.
Wales will also have some absences, with Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead and Karl Darlow among those reported to have withdrawn through injury.
Portugal vs Wales: What to Expect?
Portugal are likely to have more possession and control, while Wales could look to use their pace on counter-attacks. The previous meeting between the teams came in the Euro 2016 semi-final, when Portugal won 2-0 with goals from Ronaldo and Nani.
With Ronaldo confirmed to start, much of the attention will be on whether he can make an immediate impact in the opening match of the new Nations League campaign.
Prediction
Portugal enter the match with a strong squad and home advantage, while Ronaldo’s confirmed starting role adds another major storyline.
Prediction: Portugal 2-0 Wales
Ronaldo could be among the players to make the difference, although the final result will depend on the teams’ performance on the night.
Final Thoughts
The Portugal vs Wales fixture marks the beginning of a new Nations League era under Jorge Jesus. With Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed in the starting XI, the match carries plenty of interest for Portugal supporters and football fans worldwide.
For Parimatch Global, this is one of the key international fixtures to watch as the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League gets underway.
FAQs
Q1. Is Cristiano Ronaldo starting against Wales?
Yes. Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has confirmed that Ronaldo will start against Wales.
Q2. When is Portugal vs Wales?
The match is scheduled for 24 September 2026 in Portugal and falls on 25 September in India.
Q3. Where will Portugal vs Wales be played?
The match will take place at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.
Q4. Who is Portugal’s new manager?
Jorge Jesus is the new Portugal head coach and will take charge of his first match against Wales.
Q5. What is the prediction for Portugal vs Wales?
Our early prediction is Portugal 2-0 Wales, with Ronaldo expected to lead the attack.
