Jorge Jesus takes charge of Portugal for the first time against Wales on Thursday
Portugal host the UEFA Nations League match at Estádio José Alvalade after replacing Roberto Martínez
Cristiano Ronaldo remains in the squad and is chasing more international goals at 41
Portugal begin a new era on Thursday when they host Wales at Estádio José Alvalade in the UEFA Nations League, with Jorge Jesus taking charge of the national team for the first time. The 72-year-old replaces Roberto Martínez and inherits a squad that is largely unchanged from the side that went out in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains part of the squad at 41 and will try to add to his 146 international goals. The match also offers an early look at how Jesus plans to reshape Portugal, with a handful of selection changes and a different tactical idea from his predecessor.
Wales arrive with some absentees but still bring top-flight experience across the pitch. The fixture also revives a meeting that carries history, from Portugal’s 3-0 friendly win in Chaves in 2000 to their 2-0 victory in the Euro 2016 semi-final in Lyon.
Portugal Squad Changes
Jesus has made a few clear calls.
Samuel Soares has earned a call-up after becoming first choice at Benfica and takes the place of José Sá. Matheus Nunes and Nélson Semedo miss out, while Nuno Tavares returns to the squad.
João Palhinha is back ahead of Samuel Costa and Fábio Silva replaces Gonçalo Guedes in attack. Portugal’s squad is: goalkeepers Diogo Costa, Rui Silva and Samuel Soares; defenders Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, Tomás Araújo and Nuno Tavares.
The midfielders are Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Neves, Vitinha, João Palhinha and João Neves. The forwards are Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, Gonçalo Ramos, Francisco Conceição, Francisco Trincão and Fábio Silva.
Wales And History
Wales are without Leeds United pair Joe Rodon and Harry Wilson.
Even so, Craig Bellamy still has plenty of Premier League experience available. Ben Davies will anchor the defence, Neco Williams offers a threat from left-back and Ethan Ampadu holds the midfield together.
They also carry pace and width. David Brooks, Brennan Johnson, Sorba Thomas and Daniel James give Wales danger on the flanks.
There is history here too. Portugal’s first three matches against Wales were friendlies and the last of those came in 2000 in Chaves, when Luís Figo, Ricardo Sá Pinto and Capucho scored in a 3-0 win.
Their only competitive meeting came in the 2016 European Championship semi-final in Lyon. Ronaldo scored and set up Nani in Portugal’s 2-0 win, before Fernando Santos’ side went on to lift the trophy.
Their squad is: goalkeepers Danny Ward, Tom King and David Cornell; defenders Ben Davies, Connor Roberts, Neco Williams, Chris Mepham, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Ben Cabango, Jay Dasilva and Jayden Lienou; midfielders Ethan Ampadu, Jordan James, Josh Sheehan, Liam Cullen, Wes Burns, Joel Colwill, Cameron Congreve and Charlie Savage; forwards Daniel James, Kieffer Moore, David Brooks, Brennan Johnson, Sorba Thomas, Mark Harris, Lewis Koumas, Cian Ashford and Joe Taylor.
All You Need To Know About Portugal Vs Wales UEFA Nations League Match
When and Where Will the UEFA Nations League Match Between Portugal And Wales Take Place?
The UEFA Nations League match between Portugal and Wales will be played at the Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal.
What Time Will the Portugal Vs Wales UEFA Nations League Match Start?
The Portugal vs Wales international match will kick off at 12:30 AM IST on Friday, September 25.
Which TV Channel Will Telecast Portugal Vs Wales UEFA Nations League Match in India?
The UEFA Nations League 2026/27 season will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network in India.
How Can Fans Watch Portugal Vs Wales UEFA Nations League Match Online in India?
Fans can stream the Premier League 2026/27 matches live on SonyLIV in India.
Jesus Explains Selection
Jesus set out his thinking behind the squad and the start of his tenure.
"I looked at the squad that was at the World Cup and you can't field two teams at the same level in Portugal... I also looked at those who weren't at the World Cup and who I could choose, and at the characteristics that could fit within my model," Jesus said.
"We've already talked about the four new additions compared to the last squad, but it has nothing to do with the previous coach's. He had one idea and I have another. Besides those players you mentioned, others are being observed. I've spoken several times with my colleague from the Under-21s, Luís Freire. I felt it wasn't their opportunity yet, that they are the present and the future," he added.
He also explained how quickly he wants the team to take on his ideas. "I need to speed up the process so that the players can identify with what I want. I'll say another one of my phrases: 'I have field training and indoor training.' There are no lectures. I strongly believe in the intelligence of the players and they have to solve all the situations that happen during the game," Jesus said.
On scouting and monitoring players, he said: "Analysing players live? That would be important. The last one I saw was Bernardo Silva in Madrid. Today it's easy to see many players without being present, even though our technical team spreads out to watch several games."
Jesus also spoke about squad size and Ronaldo’s long chase for 1,000 career goals. "Everyone made a preliminary squad list, ours has 46 players. In this first period, we have 25 players. Having a squad of 44 players in the second phase of the Nations League... they can't be injured and there have to be changes. To me, it makes no sense at all. Regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, I believe he has to score his 1,000th goal more for Al Nassr than for the national team," he said.
He then explained some of the personnel calls. "Samuel Soares is a 24-year-old goalkeeper. Apart from Diogo Costa, Rui Silva and José Sá, who were usually called up, were older. We wanted to incorporate a third goalkeeper," Jesus said.
Jesus gave a clear view of how he sees two attacking players. "João Félix isn't a player to play on the wing with me. That doesn't mean a strategic change can't happen during the game. He'll always be a second striker and a first striker. With time, I have no doubt that he'll be a first striker, given his creative and finishing ability," he said.
"Rafael Leão always played as a first striker for me. At Sporting, I played him as a first striker against FC Porto and he even scored, although I had already played him there before," he added.
He then linked those ideas to his wider tactical approach. "Each coach has their own ideas about the game, and I have mine about what I want for the National Team, believing in the quality of the players and what we have done at the clubs we have represented. Within my idea, there is more of a second striker than a third midfielder, so there are several players besides Félix who can play that position, such as Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão and Francisco Trincão. I need to understand their playing characteristics to adapt them to my ideas," Jesus said.
On the new names in the squad, he said: "Of the four new players, apart from Fábio Silva, all of them worked with me. Samuel Soares, João Palhinha and Nuno Tavares. They worked with me, and I with them. Except for João, in 2030 they still won't be 30 years old; they are players of the present and the future."
Ronaldo Backs New Era
Ronaldo backed the new coach and made clear that he wants both silverware and personal milestones.
"Winning the Nations League or reaching a thousand goals? Both. The thousand goals and the National Team. Trying to win this Nations League. It's a new era. I take this opportunity to congratulate coach Martínez for the excellent work he has done, being of another nationality, which is very difficult, due to the constant attacks he faced," Ronaldo said.
He then offered a strong endorsement of Jesus. "It's a new era with coach Jorge Jesus. I'm sure he will do an excellent job. Jorge Jesus was a perfect choice. Different tactics, different language. I wish things go as well as possible. We are all confident. I think the team is prepared, it will be a long challenge, the coach will stay for many years. I'm sure it was the best option," he said.
Ronaldo also responded to criticism from parts of the media and some supporters. "I can't be 100% honest. I've been playing football for so many years and I've been well received almost everywhere. Some channels like to attack me and try to kill me, but they don't stand a chance, only with a shotgun. And even then I dodge the bullet. But I'm used to it," he said.
He also referred to the reaction he has faced at two major stadiums in Portugal. "At the Estádio do Dragão I could understand it because of the rivalry... At the Luz, not so much because apparently we can't play there, at least I read that... But half a dozen people not liking me doesn't affect me," Ronaldo said.
