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

Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are set to start their journey towards 2030 with four group stage games in the UEFA Nations League. Ronaldo confirmed that the recent World Cup would be his final tournament, where Portugal exited in the Round of 16 after a narrow 1-0 loss to Spain, who went on to become champions. Despite this, Ronaldo isn't finished playing for the national team just yet.

Group Stage Opponents and Stakes

Competing in League A, Portugal will face Wales, Denmark, and Norway during the September-October international window, including two fixtures against Norway. Only the group winner advances to the Nations League semifinals, so there is no room for mistakes in these matches.

Anticipated Portugal Roster for Fall 2026 Matches

Portugal is expected to announce its squad on Friday, September 18. Unlike some countries that field experimental lineups for friendlies, Portugal will likely call upon a strong roster due to the competitive nature of the UEFA Nations League. While teams like the United States may rely heavily on young or fringe players for non-competitive fixtures, European sides generally summon their best available players.

  • Goalkeepers:
  • Diogo Costa – Porto (48 caps)
  • Jose Sa – Wolves (5 caps)
  • Rui Silva – Sporting CP (3 caps)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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 This Fall?

It is widely expected that Cristiano Ronaldo will be called up for Portugal's UEFA Nations League fixtures this autumn. Although he announced that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, he has yet to retire from international football entirely. The recent appointment of his former Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus as Portugal's head coach also supports the likelihood of Ronaldo’s inclusion.

How to Watch Portugal’s UEFA Nations League Matches

  • Portugal vs. Wales: Thu, Sep. 24 at 2:45 p.m. ET, Estadio Jose Alvalade (Lisbon) – TV: Fox Soccer Plus, Streaming: fubo
  • Norway vs. Portugal: Sun, Sep. 27 at 2:45 p.m. ET, Ullevaal Stadion (Oslo) – TV: None, Streaming: fubo, ViX
  • Denmark vs. Portugal: Thu, Oct. 1 at 2:45 p.m. ET, Parken Stadium (Copenhagen) – TV: None, Streaming: fubo, ViX
  • Portugal vs. Norway: Sun, Oct. 4 at 2:45 p.m. ET, Estadio Do Dragao (Porto) – TV: Fox Sports 2, Streaming: fubo, ViX

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