Rafael Nogueira
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Portugal host Wales at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisboa on Thursday 24 September 2026, with kick-off set for 18:45 UTC. The two sides meet in Round 1 of UEFA Nations League A Group 4, kicking off their respective campaigns in the section. Wales arrive on the back of a run without a shutout, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. Fans looking ahead to other fixtures midweek can also check out today’s football fixtures for further previews.
Portugal Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Jorge Jesus appears to have a fully fit squad to choose from, with no absentees reported ahead of this Nations League opener, so the manager can name what looks like his strongest available XI.
Portugal predicted XI: Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vítinha; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Félix; Cristiano Ronaldo
| Line | # | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | 1 | Diogo Costa | FC Porto |
| Defence | 20 | João Cancelo | Barcelona |
| Defence | 3 | Rúben Dias | Manchester City |
| Defence | 13 | Renato Veiga | Villarreal |
| Defence | 25 | Nuno Mendes | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Midfield | 15 | João Neves | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Midfield | 23 | Vítinha | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Attacking midfield | 18 | Pedro Neto | Chelsea |
| Attacking midfield | 8 | Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United |
| Attacking midfield | 11 | Joao Félix | Al Nassr FC |
| Attack | 7 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al Nassr FC |
- Will not play: None reported.
- Questionable: None reported.
Wales Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Craig Bellamy is set to be without Joe Rodon, Nathan Broadhead and Isaak Davies, all sidelined through injury, which should see Ben Cabango continue to anchor the back line while the attacking unit built around Brooks, Thomas, James and Johnson tries to solve Wales’ recent defensive struggles at the other end. Dylan Lawlor is also a doubt, adding a touch of uncertainty to the back four selection.
Wales predicted XI: Danny Ward; Neco Williams, Ben Cabango, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Jay Dasilva; Ethan Ampadu, Jordan James; David Brooks, Sorba Thomas, Daniel James; Brennan Johnson
| Line | # | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | 12 | Danny Ward | Wrexham |
| Defence | 3 | Neco Williams | Nottingham Forest |
| Defence | 13 | Ben Cabango | Swansea City |
| Defence | 18 | Rhys Norrington-Davies | Sheffield United |
| Defence | 15 | Jay Dasilva | Coventry City |
| Midfield | 5 | Ethan Ampadu | Leeds United |
| Midfield | 17 | Jordan James | Wolverhampton Wanderers |
| Attacking midfield | 7 | David Brooks | AFC Bournemouth |
| Attacking midfield | 19 | Sorba Thomas | Hull City |
| Attacking midfield | 20 | Daniel James | Leeds United |
| Attack | 11 | Brennan Johnson | Everton |
- Will not play: Nathan Broadhead (Injury, expected back Early October 2026), Isaak Davies (Injury, expected back Early October 2026), Joe Rodon (Injury, expected back Late September 2026)
- Questionable: Dylan Lawlor (Injury)
Read Also: Portugal vs Wales Prediction: 24.09.2026 UEFA Nations League Preview