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Portugal's 2026 UEFA Nations League Squad: Cristiano Ronaldo Set to Feature This Fall

Portugal Starts New Cycle After 2026 World Cup

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup behind them, Portugal and their star forward Cristiano Ronaldo are preparing for the 2030 cycle, beginning with four group stage matches in the UEFA Nations League.

Ronaldo confirmed that the recent World Cup would be his final tournament at that level. Portugal reached the Round of 16 but fell 1-0 to Spain, who went on to win the title. Despite this, Ronaldo is not done playing for the national team.

Group Stage Opponents and Stakes

Portugal is placed in League A alongside Wales, Denmark, and Norway. They will face these teams during the September-October international window, including two matches against Norway. Only the group winner advances to the Nations League semifinals, making every match critical.

Expected Squad Announcement

The Portuguese roster is slated for release on Friday, September 18. Unlike some other nations who might prioritize friendlies by selecting younger or fringe players, Portugal is expected to field a strong squad given the competitive nature of these matches.

European teams often bring their best available players for UEFA Nations League fixtures, unlike some countries like the United States that sometimes experiment with lineups in friendlies.

Projected Portugal Roster for Fall 2026 UEFA Nations League Matches

  • Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto) - 48 caps, Jose Sa (Wolves) - 5 caps, Rui Silva (Sporting CP) - 3 caps
  • Defenders: Tomas Araujo (Benfica) - 6 caps, Joao Cancelo (Barcelona) - 73 caps, Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) - 37 caps, Ruben Dias (Manchester City) - 80 caps, Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP) - 22 caps, Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce) - 54 caps, Antonio Silva (Bournemouth) - 20 caps, Renato Veiga (Villarreal) - 18 caps
  • Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) - 94 caps, Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham) - 1 cap, Joao Neves (PSG) - 27 caps, Ruben Neves (Al Hilal) - 69 caps, Joao Palhinha (Benfica) - 37 caps, Bernardo Silva (Real Madrid) - 113 caps, Vitinha (PSG) - 43 caps
  • Forwards: Francisco Conceicao (Juventus) - 21 caps, Joao Felix (Al Nassr) - 57 caps, Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad) - 34 caps, Rafael Leao (Galatasaray) - 49 caps, Pedro Neto (Chelsea) - 30 caps, Goncalo Ramos (AC Milan) - 27 caps, Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) - 233 caps, Francisco Trincao (Al Ahli) - 19 caps

Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play?

Ronaldo is expected to be called up for Portugal's UEFA Nations League matches this fall. Though he stated the 2026 World Cup would be his last, he has yet to retire from international football. His former coach at Al Nassr, Jorge Jesus, now leads the Portuguese national team, increasing the likelihood of Ronaldo's inclusion.

Viewing Information for Portugal's UEFA Nations League Matches

  • Portugal vs. WalesThu, Sep. 24, 2:45 p.m. ETEstadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon, PortugalTV: Fox Soccer PlusStreaming: fubo
  • Norway vs. PortugalSun, Sep. 27, 2:45 p.m. ETUllevaal Stadion, Oslo, NorwayTV: NoneStreaming: fubo, ViX
  • Denmark vs. PortugalThu, Oct. 1, 2:45 p.m. ETParken Stadium, Copenhagen, DenmarkTV: NoneStreaming: fubo, ViX
  • Portugal vs. NorwaySun, Oct. 4, 2:45 p.m. ETEstadio Do Dragao, Porto, PortugalTV: Fox Sports 2Streaming: fubo, ViX

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