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

Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team are shifting focus to the 2030 cycle, beginning with four group stage matches in the UEFA Nations League. Despite confirming that the World Cup would be his last tournament, Ronaldo has not yet retired from international football.

Portugal, competing in League A, will face Wales, Denmark, and Norway in the upcoming group stage games scheduled during the September-October international window. Their schedule includes two matches against Norway. Only the group winner advances to the semifinals, so every match holds great importance.

Expected Portugal Squad for Fall 2026 UEFA Nations League Matches

The official roster is set to be announced on Friday, September 18. Unlike some nations that might field younger or less experienced players in friendly matches this fall, Portugal is expected to deploy a strong lineup given the competitive nature of these UEFA Nations League fixtures.

• 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

Ronaldo's Role in Upcoming Matches

Although Cristiano Ronaldo has announced the 2026 World Cup as his final global tournament, he remains active internationally. With Jorge Jesus, his former Al Nassr coach, now leading the Portuguese national team, it's widely expected Ronaldo will be called up for these Nations League matches.

Schedule and Broadcast Information for Portugal’s UEFA Nations League Games

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