Portugal host Wales in their opening League A4 match of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League.
Portugal come into this edition as the reigning champions after they defeated Spain on penalties in the final of the 2024-25 edition after a 2-2 draw.
Wales meanwhile were promoted straight back up from League B after they topped their group.
Team News
Portugal’s new manager, Jorge Jesus hasn’t had to contend with any injury withdrawals from his squad, with a full selection set to be available.
Wales will be without goalkeeper, Karl Darlow after he withdrew from the squad due to an unspecified injury, which led David Cornell to be called up as his replacement.
Nathan Broadhead and Harry Wilson have too withdrawn due to respective thigh and quad injuries, which have led Joel Taylor and Charlie Savage to be called up as their replacements.
When is Kick-Off?
Portugal host Wales at Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon, on Thursday 24 September at 8:45pm CEST (7:45pm BST), live on BBC One Wales and BBC Two (England/Northern Ireland/Scotland) plus BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Portugal’s first UEFA Nations League meeting against Wales.
- Wales are making their first competitive away trip to Portugal, but lost two friendly visits by 3-2 and 3-0 results in May 1949 and June 2000 respectively.
- Portugal failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last six Nations League matches (W3, D2, L1).
- Wales are unbeaten in their last six Nations League matches (W3, D3) – albeit in League B of 2024-25 edition, but are yet to win at League A level after six previous games (D1, L5).
Prediction
With Jesus now in charge, Portugal probably couldn’t ask for a better opening opponent from their perspective after a tough Round of 16 exit at the World Cup against Spain, as this is a chance for them to open a new chapter on the front foot and show more of their quality.
Wales though won’t make this easy given that they’ve grinded out 1-1 draws in three of their four games this calendar year but with Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor not called up due to injury then Wilson’s withdrawal, this is a much harder ask for them in another difficult League A group.
Nevertheless I still expect Wales to try and pose a tough test but Portugal realistically should get a routine result due to the absences of some key Wales players.
Prediction: Portugal 2-0 Wales