Wales travel to Lisbon for their Nations League debut against defending champions Portugal, with Craig Bellamy’s side missing key players. Fans are also invited to name the Wales lineup that faced Ronaldo’s Portugal in the Euro 2016 semi‑final.
Craig Bellamy’s Wales will open their UEFA Nations League Group A campaign on Thursday, September 24, at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, taking on defending champions Portugal and a 41‑year‑old Cristiano Ronaldo. Midfielder Jordan James, who recently joined Wolves on loan, believes his side have a "puncher's chance" to cause an upset despite the Portuguese pedigree (source [1]).
The match arrives at a challenging moment for the Dragons. Injuries have depleted the squad: Leeds United defender Joe Rodon remains sidelined with a hamstring, while Harry Wilson has withdrawn with a quad injury, and forward Nathan Broadhead is out with a thigh problem (source [2]). Bellamy has called up Leicester City keeper Dai Cornell, Huddersfield forward Joe Taylor and Reading midfielder Charlie Savage to fill the gaps, with Cornell yet to make his senior debut for Wales (source [2]).
Portugal, under new manager Jorge Jesus, enter the game as the reigning Nations League holders, having won the 2024‑25 edition on penalties against Spain. They have a strong home record in the competition, losing only twice in 14 matches (source [1]). Ronaldo, who chose not to retire after the World Cup, continues to feature and has scored 29 goals in 33 appearances under Jesus at Al‑Nassr last season (source [1]).
As the teams prepare, Bellamy’s side will also be reminded of a historic encounter: the Euro 2016 semi‑final when Wales faced a Ronaldo‑led Portugal. Averytin News invites readers to name the Wales XI from that match, a nostalgic quiz that links past glory with the present challenge.
Kick‑off is set for 7.45 pm UK time, with live coverage on BBC and S4C (source [4]). Wales enter the fixture on a four‑match winless run, their worst start to a calendar year since 2012, adding extra motivation to prove they belong in the top tier (source [1]).