Wales face a big test when they visit Portugal in their A4 Nations League opener on Saturday 26 September. The match kicks off at 7.45pm BST from the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, and viewers in the UK can watch it on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Wales.
The road back to the top tier
Wales won League B in 2024 and are now back in the top tier of the Nations League. Their reward for that win is a spot in the A4 group, where they face the 2025 winners. It is a tough start for a side that missed out on the World Cup after losing a penalty shootout against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Craig Bellamy’s team will have to overcome a series of injuries to key players. Harry Wilson withdrew with a quad injury, and Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor were never named in the squad due to injuries. Nathan Broadhead and goalkeeper Karl Darlow have also withdrawn. Portugal have no injury concerns to report.
Ronaldo’s goal chase
Cristiano Ronaldo remains a major force for Portugal. He has been called up to the Nations League squad despite some poor performances during the World Cup, where he faced criticism for his play. There is a widely held belief that the team would be better served by younger, fitter players.
Roberto Martinez was lambasted for failing to drop him when he was the head coach, but new manager Jorge Jesus has kept faith with the 41-year-old. Ronaldo stands 21 goals shy of his target of 1000 career goals, and this fixture offers him a chance to move closer to that milestone.
Predicted line-ups
The predicted XI sees Portugal field Costa in goal, with Cancelo, Dias, Veiga and Mendes making up the back four. Behind them sit Vitinha and J Neves in midfield, with Neto, Fernandes and Ronaldo in attack.
Wales will field a much-changed side. The predicted XI includes Ward in goal, with N Williams, Cabango, Norrington-Davies and Dasilva forming the back line. Ampadu and J James sit in midfield, with Brooks, Thomas and Johnson supporting attacking midfielder D James.
How to follow the action
| Event | Time | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal v Wales | 7.45pm BST, Sat 26 Sep | Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon | BBC iPlayer, BBC One Wales |
- The match kicks off at 7.45pm BST on Saturday 26 September.
- It airs on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Wales in the UK.
- Portugal host Wales at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.
The fixture is a chance for Wales to show they belong in the top tier, and for Ronaldo to keep chasing history.
Source material: “Is Portugal v Wales on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Nations League clash,” Yahoo Sports.
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