Portugal begins its UEFA Nations League title defense at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon this Thursday, September 24, with kickoff scheduled for 7:45pm local time (18:45 GMT). The match marks a fresh start under new head coach Jorge Jesus, who replaced Roberto Martinez following a disappointing exit in the round of 16 during the recent World Cup.
At 41 years old, captain Cristiano Ronaldo continues to command attention as he approaches a historic 1,000-goal career milestone. With 979 goals currently to his name—comprising 833 club goals and 146 international strikes—the forward remains 21 goals away from the target. Ronaldo has expressed his desire to reach this figure while also leading his national side to another Nations League victory.
Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit, Ronaldo emphasized his commitment to the team, stating that he still feels capable of contributing on the pitch. He noted that he would be the first to step aside if he felt he could no longer help the squad or if the coaching staff no longer required his services. While he admitted to contemplating his international future after the World Cup, discussions with team leadership ultimately solidified his decision to continue.
Regarding his approach to his remaining career, Ronaldo noted that he has learned to focus on the present rather than fixating on the distant future. He dismissed suggestions that his goal-chasing is an obsession, framing it instead as a pursuit to be enjoyed day-by-day. Portugal previously secured its second Nations League title in June 2025, defeating Spain 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, with Ruben Neves netting the decisive spot kick.
Historical Context and Recent Meetings
- May 15, 1949: Portugal 3–2 Wales (Friendly)
- May 12, 1951: Wales 2–1 Portugal (Friendly)
- June 2, 2000: Portugal 3–0 Wales (Friendly)
- July 6, 2016: Portugal 2–0 Wales (Euro 2016 semifinal)
The two nations have met four times previously, with Portugal holding a 3-1 lead in head-to-head fixtures. Their last high-stakes encounter occurred during the Euro 2016 semifinal, where goals from Ronaldo and Nani secured a 2-0 victory for Portugal against a Welsh side that featured Gareth Bale.
Team Updates
Portugal enters the fixture with a full-strength squad and is expected to field the same starting lineup that participated in the World Cup quarterfinal against Spain. Conversely, the Wales squad has faced several setbacks. Key players including Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead, and Karl Darlow have withdrawn due to injury, with David Cornell, Joe Taylor, and Charlie Savage called in as replacements. Previous injury concerns also sidelined Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor, Rubin Colwill, and Isaak Davies.
Tournament Format
The current Nations League structure sees the top 16-ranked teams competing in four round-robin groups through November. The two leaders of each group will advance to a two-legged quarterfinal stage in March, followed by a “Final Four” mini-tournament hosted by one of the semifinalists between June 9-13. The final results will influence seeding for the 2028 European Championship qualifying playoffs. The report also notes that who: Portugal vs Wales What: UEFA Nations League Where: Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal When: Thursday, September 24, at 7:45pm (18:45 GMT) How to follow: Sport will have live build-up from 15:45 GMT ahead of our text commentary stream coverage. The report also notes that claimed to be nervous, then did what he has done for more than two decades: taking centre stage, swatting away critics and insisting the final whistle is not yet in sight, cristiano Ronaldo walked into a packed room. The report also notes that he grinned and chose both, asked whether winning the Nations League or reaching four figures mattered more. The report also notes that “It’s a new era with manager Jorge Jesus, whom we all know well; I just hope things go well for him.”. The report also notes that “Scoring my 1,000th goal for the national team would be the culmination of something – a beautiful story,” he said. “It wouldn’t be the end of it, but it would be a beautiful story.”. The report also notes that however, that he was not consumed by the chase, ronaldo insisted. The report also notes that “I’ve already admitted that I want to get there, and I will get there,” he said. “An obsession.
