Portugal v Wales LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo in action in Nations League clash

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The Independent

·24 September 2026

Portugal v Wales LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo in action in Nations League clash

(Reuters)

Wales begin life back in the top tier of the Nations League with a difficult test against 2025 winners Portugal in their A4 group opener.

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Craig Bellamy’s side missed out on the World Cup after penalties heartbreak in their play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will now look to prove that they belonged among the biggest hitters after winning League B in 2024.

Wales come up against Cristiano Ronaldo and co to kick things off, with the 41-year-old Portuguese captain opting not to follow Lionel Messi into international retirement after the World Cup.

Standing 21 shy of his elusive 1,000-goal target, Ronaldo has been called up to new manager Jorge Jesus’ squad, and starts up front this evening, despite criticism of some poor performances during the summer and a widely held belief that the team would be better served by younger, fitter players.