A New Era in Lisbon
Portugal begins the defense of its UEFA Nations League crown today, September 24, as it hosts Wales at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. The match marks the official managerial debut of Jorge Jesus, who took over the reins following the team’s underwhelming performance at the 2026 World Cup, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
For Portugal, the stakes are high. As the most successful nation in the competition’s short history, having lifted the trophy twice (2018–19 and 2024–25), the team is under immense pressure to maintain its dominance in League A. Despite the coaching change, the squad retains a familiar face: 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. His inclusion in the 25-man roster signals his commitment to at least one more tournament cycle, though his role remains a point of tactical debate.
Tactical Outlook and Squad News
Jorge Jesus is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, banking on the creativity of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva to support Ronaldo. The roster features several high-profile stars from Paris Saint-Germain and other top European clubs, though players like José Sá and Nelson Semedo have been omitted from this selection. The predicted starting XI includes Costa in goal, a backline of Dalot, Dias, Veiga, and Mendes, with Vitinha and Neves anchoring the midfield.
Wales, meanwhile, enters the match under the guidance of Craig Bellamy. The Dragons, who recently earned promotion to League A, are aiming to prove they can compete against Europe’s elite. Bellamy faces a significant challenge, dealing with several injury-related absences, including Wrexham’s Nathan Broadhead and the Cardiff City trio of Rubin Colwill, Ronan Kpakio, and Isaak Davies. Danny Ward is expected to start in goal for the visitors in a 3-4-2-1 setup, with Brennan Johnson leading the attack.
Viewing Information
The match kicks off at 8:45 p.m. WEST local time in Lisbon (7:45 p.m. BST / 2:45 p.m. ET). According to CNET, fans in the UK can watch the game for free on BBC Two and via the BBC iPlayer. In the United States, coverage is available on Fox Soccer Plus, while Australian viewers can access the match through beIN Sports. Canadian fans will need a subscription to DAZN to stream the event.