Veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been confirmed to start for Portugal in their UEFA Nations League 2026-27 clash against Wales today, Thursday, September 24, 2026. The 41-year-old superstar will feature in new head coach Jorge Jesus’s inaugural match at the helm, as the reigning Nations League champions kick off their campaign in League A, Group A4.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated fixture, coach Jorge Jesus, 72, who previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, affirmed Ronaldo’s place in the starting XI. This decision comes despite the forward having openly considered retiring from international football following Portugal’s Round of 16 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Spain earlier this year.
“I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want, and I will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here,” Ronaldo stated, reiterating his commitment to the national cause and his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals (currently at 979), alongside aiming for another Nations League title.
Match Details
The crucial encounter is scheduled for 18:45 GMT (12:15 AM IST) at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal. This match is Matchday 1 of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 season, with Portugal aiming to start strong in their bid for a third Nations League crown, having won the competition in 2019 and 2025.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
Portugal enters the match with a recent record of two wins, two draws, and one defeat in their last five outings, scoring nine goals and conceding two. They boast an impressive home record, being unbeaten in their last ten matches on home soil (W9, D1). Wales, on the other hand, comes into this fixture after securing promotion to League A. Their recent form shows one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five games, with 11 goals scored and eight conceded. The Dragons are currently winless in their four matches in 2026 (D2, L2).
Historically, Portugal and Wales have met once, in the UEFA Euro 2016 semi-final, which Portugal won 2-0. Remarkably, Portugal has not conceded a goal against Wales in the only meeting between the two nations in the 21st century.
With Ronaldo’s continued presence and a new coaching era beginning, Portugal will be eager to assert their dominance against a promoted Welsh side looking to make a statement in League A. All eyes will be on Lisbon as the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 season commences with this intriguing fixture.