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

Portugal Prepares for 2026 UEFA Nations League Campaign

Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo are shifting focus toward the 2030 competition cycle with four upcoming UEFA Nations League group stage matches. Although Ronaldo declared the recent World Cup would mark his final tournament, he hasn't completely stepped away from international play.

In League A of the Nations League, Portugal faces Wales, Denmark, and Norway. Their schedule includes three matches during the September-October international window, with two games against Norway. Only the group winner advances to the semifinals, leaving no margin for mistakes in these contests.

Expected Portugal Roster for Fall 2026 Matches

The squad announcement is slated for Friday, September 18. Unlike some nations who opt for experimental lineups during friendlies, Portugal is expected to bring a strong roster given the competitive stakes of the Nations League fixtures.

While teams such as the United States may lean on younger or fringe players for non-competitive matches, European sides typically call upon their top performers for this tournament.

• Goalkeepers
• Diogo Costa: Porto (POR), 48 caps
• Jose Sa: Wolves (ENG), 5 caps
• Rui Silva: Sporting CP (POR), 3 caps
• Defenders
• Tomas Araujo: Benfica (POR), 6 caps
• Joao Cancelo: Barcelona (ESP), 73 caps
• Diogo Dalot: Man United (ENG), 37 caps
• Ruben Dias: Man City (ENG), 80 caps
• Goncalo Inacio: Sporting CP (POR), 22 caps
• Nelson Semedo: Fenerbahce (TUR), 54 caps
• Antonio Silva: Bournemouth (ENG), 20 caps
• Renato Veiga: Villarreal (ESP), 18 caps
• Midfielders
• Bruno Fernandes: Man United (ENG), 94 caps
• Mateus Fernandes: Tottenham (ENG), 1 cap
• Joao Neves: PSG (FRA), 27 caps
• Ruben Neves: Al Hilal (KSA), 69 caps
• Joao Palhinha: Benfica (POR), 37 caps
• Bernardo Silva: Real Madrid (ESP), 113 caps
• Vitinha: PSG (FRA), 43 caps
• Forwards
• Francisco Conceicao: Juventus (ITA), 21 caps
• Joao Felix: Al Nassr (KSA), 57 caps
• Goncalo Guedes: Real Sociedad (ESP), 34 caps
• Rafael Leao: Galatasaray (TUR), 49 caps
• Pedro Neto: Chelsea (ENG), 30 caps
• Goncalo Ramos: AC Milan (ITA), 27 caps
• Cristiano Ronaldo: Al Nassr (KSA), 233 caps
• Francisco Trincao: Al Ahli (KSA), 19 caps

Will Ronaldo Join the Team?

Cristiano Ronaldo is widely expected to participate in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. Although he has indicated the 2026 World Cup would be his final global tournament, he has yet to retire from the national team entirely.

Ronaldo's former club coach Jorge Jesus recently took charge of the Portuguese national team, increasing the likelihood of Ronaldo receiving a call-up.

Viewing Information for Portugal's UEFA Nations League Fixtures

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