Portugal Announces Squad for 2026 UEFA Nations League; Cristiano Ronaldo Expected to Play

Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Portugal is gearing up for the start of the 2030 cycle with four group stage games in the UEFA Nations League. Cristiano Ronaldo, who confirmed the World Cup as his final tournament, will still be part of the squad for these upcoming matches.

The Portuguese team reached the Round of 16 at the World Cup but fell to eventual champions Spain by a narrow 1-0 scoreline. Despite Ronaldo signaling the end of his World Cup appearances, he hasn't stepped away from international duty entirely.

Group Stage Opponents and Stakes

Placed in League A, Portugal faces Wales, Denmark, and Norway in their group. Their schedule during the September-October international break includes matches against all three teams, with two clashes against Norway.

Only the group winner advances to the Nations League semifinals, making every match critical for Portugal’s hopes.

Expected Squad Announcement

The official roster for Portugal’s fall UEFA Nations League matches will be unveiled on Friday, September 18. Unlike some nations that may use this window for experimentation, Portugal is expected to field a strong lineup given the competitive nature of these fixtures.

European teams generally bring their best players to these matches, unlike other countries like the United States that might test younger or fringe players in friendlies.

Projected Portugal Roster for September and October 2026

• 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 (Man United, 37 caps), Ruben Dias (Man 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 (Man 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)

Cristiano Ronaldo's Role Moving Forward

It appears Cristiano Ronaldo will be included in Portugal’s squad for the UEFA Nations League matches this fall. Even though he announced the 2026 World Cup as his last, he has yet to retire from the national team.

With Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo’s former coach at Al Nassr, now leading the Portuguese national team, there’s strong belief that Ronaldo will remain part of the squad during this competition.

Where to Watch Portugal’s UEFA Nations League Games

• Portugal vs. WalesDate: Thu, Sep. 24Time: 2:45 p.m. ETLocation: Estadio Jose Alvalade, LisbonTV: Fox Soccer PlusStreaming: fubo
• Norway vs. PortugalDate: Sun, Sep. 27Time: 2:45 p.m. ETLocation: Ullevaal Stadion, OsloTV: NoneStreaming: fubo, ViX
• Denmark vs. PortugalDate: Thu, Oct. 1Time: 2:45 p.m. ETLocation: Parken Stadium, CopenhagenTV: NoneStreaming: fubo, ViX
• Portugal vs. NorwayDate: Sun, Oct. 4Time: 2:45 p.m. ETLocation: Estadio Do Dragao, PortoTV: Fox Sports 2Streaming: fubo, ViX