The Portugal national football team has started a new international chapter with Jorge Jesus in charge and a 1-0 victory over Wales in the opening match of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. João Félix scored the decisive goal in Lisbon on September 24, while Cristiano Ronaldo returned to competitive international action and wore the captain’s armband.
The victory gave Portugal three points in Group A4. Norway also won its opening fixture, leaving both teams level on points after the first round. Denmark and Wales began the group stage without a point.
For Portugal, the result carried significance beyond the standings. It was Jesus’ first competitive match as head coach following Roberto Martínez’s departure after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team is also defending the Nations League title it won in 2025.
The next challenge comes quickly. Portugal travels to Oslo to face Norway on September 27 before meeting Denmark in Copenhagen on October 1.
Jorge Jesus Begins His Portugal Tenure With a Victory
Jesus took charge of Portugal after being appointed during the summer following Martínez’s departure.
His first competitive assignment came against Wales at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. The new coach selected a strong starting lineup that included Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Rúben Neves, João Félix, Pedro Neto, Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes.
Portugal created the majority of the attacking opportunities and finished with 22 shots. Wales recorded five.
The only goal arrived in the 22nd minute.
Félix’s effort took a deflection from Wales captain Ben Davies before finding the net. The goal ultimately proved enough to give Portugal all three points.
The hosts continued to create chances after taking the lead. Ronaldo came close several times, but he could not add another goal.
His second-half effort was also ruled out following a VAR review.
Portugal eventually protected its advantage and finished with a clean sheet.
For Jesus, the result provided an immediate competitive win as he begins shaping the team around his own ideas.
João Félix Becomes the Match-Winner
Félix entered the Wales match under considerable attention because of the attacking competition within the squad.
The forward responded by producing the game’s only goal.
His strike arrived during a period when Portugal was applying pressure in the final third. The deflection made the finish difficult for Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward to handle.
Although the goal was credited to Félix, the Portuguese attack continued to revolve around several players.
Ronaldo remained a major presence in the penalty area. Bruno Fernandes helped connect midfield and attack, while Vitinha provided control through the center.
Pedro Neto also offered an outlet on the flank.
The combination gave Portugal several ways to create opportunities.
Félix’s goal was ultimately enough because the defense maintained its clean sheet.
Cristiano Ronaldo Continues His International Career
Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s plans after considering his international future following the World Cup.
The 41-year-old forward started against Wales and earned his 234th senior international appearance.
He played 67 minutes before being substituted.
Ronaldo did not score despite registering seven shots. One second-half attempt initially appeared to result in a goal, but the decision was overturned after VAR intervention.
His continued involvement remains one of the most closely followed elements of Portugal’s current cycle.
Ronaldo previously confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament. However, that decision did not immediately end his international career.
He remains available to Jesus for the Nations League.
His role now exists alongside a younger generation of Portuguese players who are expected to become increasingly important during the next international cycle.
Portugal’s New Squad Combines Experience and Youth
Jesus selected 25 players for the current Nations League fixtures.
The group contains established international players alongside younger options who can compete for larger roles.
Portugal’s squad includes:
- Diogo Costa
- Rui Silva
- Samuel Soares
- Gonçalo Inácio
- João Cancelo
- Diogo Dalot
- Nuno Tavares
- Nuno Mendes
- Renato Veiga
- Rúben Dias
- Tomás Araújo
- Bruno Fernandes
- João Palhinha
- João Neves
- Rúben Neves
- Vitinha
- Bernardo Silva
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Fábio Silva
- Francisco Trincão
- Francisco Conceição
- Gonçalo Ramos
- João Félix
- Pedro Neto
- Rafael Leão
The selection provides Jesus with depth throughout the field.
Portugal can rotate its midfield without dramatically changing its technical quality. The same applies to the defense and attacking positions.
That depth could become particularly important during a Nations League schedule featuring six group matches.
Portugal’s Midfield Remains a Major Feature
The midfield contains several players with significant international experience.
Bruno Fernandes provides attacking creativity and leadership. Vitinha offers control and passing ability, while Bernardo Silva can operate between midfield and attack.
Rúben Neves provides another experienced option in the center.
João Neves represents one of the younger players who could become increasingly influential.
João Palhinha adds a different profile, particularly when Portugal needs greater defensive protection in midfield.
Against Wales, Jesus started Rúben Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes.
The manager also has Bernardo Silva, João Neves and Palhinha available for different tactical situations.
This gives Portugal considerable flexibility as opponents change.
A Strong Defensive Group Supports the Attack
Portugal’s defensive unit also contains established international players.
Rúben Dias remains a key center-back. Renato Veiga started beside him against Wales.
Nuno Mendes occupied the left-back position, while João Cancelo started on the opposite side.
Diogo Costa was selected in goal.
Portugal also has Gonçalo Inácio, Diogo Dalot and Tomás Araújo available.
That group allows Jesus to change personnel while maintaining experience across the defensive line.
The opening match against Wales also showed the importance of defensive concentration.
Portugal created enough chances to score more than once, but the narrow lead meant the defense had little margin for error during the final stages.
The clean sheet ultimately secured the victory.
Portugal Starts the Nations League Title Defense
The current campaign has added importance because Portugal enters it as the reigning Nations League champion.
The team won the competition for the second time in 2025.
Portugal previously lifted the trophy in 2019. Its 2025 triumph came after a final against Spain that ended 2-2 following extra time.
Portugal won the resulting penalty shootout.
That victory made Portugal the first nation to win the Nations League twice.
The 2026-27 campaign therefore represents an opportunity to defend that title.
However, the tournament format requires Portugal to navigate a competitive group before reaching the knockout stages.
The opening win over Wales provides a useful start, but it represents only one of six group matches.
Group A4 Includes Portugal, Norway, Denmark and Wales
Portugal is competing in League A, Group A4.
The four teams are:
| Team | Opening Result | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | Win | 3 |
| Portugal | Win | 3 |
| Denmark | Loss | 0 |
| Wales | Loss | 0 |
Norway currently sits above Portugal on goal difference.
Portugal’s 1-0 victory produced a positive goal difference of one. Norway also has a one-goal margin after its opening match.
The two sides will meet in Oslo on September 27.
That match could immediately establish an important early separation at the top of the group.
The group stage continues through November.
Portugal will play each opponent twice, giving every team six opportunities to collect points.
Portugal’s Upcoming Nations League Matches
The schedule moves quickly after the Wales victory.
Portugal’s confirmed fixtures are:
| Date | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 24, 2026 | Portugal vs. Wales | Lisbon |
| September 27, 2026 | Norway vs. Portugal | Oslo |
| October 1, 2026 | Denmark vs. Portugal | Copenhagen |
| October 4, 2026 | Portugal vs. Norway | Porto |
| November 14, 2026 | Portugal vs. Denmark | Portugal |
| November 17, 2026 | Wales vs. Portugal | Cardiff |
The September schedule presents three competitive matches in a short period.
Jesus therefore has limited time to make adjustments.
The match against Norway will be particularly important because both teams began with victories.
Portugal will then travel to Denmark before returning home to face Norway.
The final two group matches arrive in November.
Norway Provides Portugal’s Next Challenge
Norway is the next opponent.
The match will take place at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo on September 27.
Norway also began its Nations League campaign with a win, putting it level with Portugal after the first round.
The meeting will give Jesus his first competitive away match as Portugal coach.
Playing away from home creates a different challenge from the opening match in Lisbon.
Portugal will need to manage the atmosphere, maintain possession and limit Norway’s attacking opportunities.
The result will also affect the early Group A4 standings.
With six matches in total, the group remains open, but every point becomes valuable when the teams are competing for the top two positions.
What Happened at the 2026 World Cup
Portugal entered the current Nations League campaign after reaching the knockout stage at the 2026 World Cup.
The team advanced from its group before defeating Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32.
Its tournament ended in the Round of 16 against Spain.
Spain won 1-0, with Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal.
The defeat brought Martínez’s period as head coach to an end.
Jesus then took over and began preparing Portugal for the next international cycle.
The Nations League now provides the first extended competitive test of his management.
The team already possesses a strong core, but the new coach has the opportunity to introduce changes while maintaining continuity.
The Next Generation Has an Important Role
Portugal’s squad is no longer built solely around its established stars.
Younger players have become increasingly prominent.
João Neves is one of the clearest examples. The midfielder has already gained significant international experience despite his age.
Vitinha has also become an important part of Portugal’s midfield structure.
Nuno Mendes provides another example of a younger player who has developed into a major international option.
Francisco Conceição and other attacking players give Jesus additional choices when building the forward line.
That balance between experienced players and emerging talent will shape Portugal’s next phase.
Ronaldo’s presence provides experience, while players from the younger generation can gradually assume greater responsibility.
Portugal’s Attack Has Several Options
The team has considerable depth in attack.
Ronaldo remains the most recognizable option.
Félix delivered the winning goal against Wales, while Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceição, Francisco Trincão and Fábio Silva are also available.
Different opponents can require different attacking combinations.
Portugal can use pace on the wings, movement through central areas and experienced finishing around the penalty area.
The opening match also showed that the team can create chances even when the score remains close.
The main attacking task will be converting more of those opportunities.
Against Wales, Portugal controlled much of the match but finished with only one goal.
That was enough for victory, but future opponents could demand greater efficiency.
The Road Ahead for Jorge Jesus
Jesus now has a clear competitive schedule with which to assess his squad.
The Norway match comes just three days after the Wales victory.
Denmark follows four days later.
Another meeting with Norway arrives on October 4.
Those matches will allow Jesus to test different combinations without waiting months between competitive fixtures.
The results will also provide a clearer picture of Portugal’s position in Group A4.
The manager has already demonstrated that Ronaldo’s reputation alone will not determine selection. His stated approach places emphasis on current performance.
That philosophy could create competition throughout the squad.
Players who perform well will have opportunities to establish themselves.
Latest Portugal Team Situation
As of September 25, Portugal has opened the 2026-27 Nations League with a 1-0 victory over Wales.
João Félix scored the winning goal, while Portugal kept a clean sheet in Jesus’ first competitive match as head coach.
Ronaldo started and played 67 minutes.
Portugal has three points and will next face Norway in Oslo on September 27.
The team remains the defending Nations League champion after winning the competition in 2025.
The current squad combines Ronaldo and other established international figures with younger players such as João Neves and Vitinha.
The coming matches will provide a much clearer indication of how Jesus intends to shape the side.
For now, the start has delivered three points and a clean sheet, giving the new manager a positive foundation.
The next chapter is already underway, and fans can follow every Portugal result, squad change and Nations League development as the campaign unfolds.