Lisbon’s José Alvalade will host the opening notes of Portugal’s post-World Cup rebuild on 24 September, when the Nations League holders meet Wales in League A. The match begins at 12:45pm Central Mexico time and will be shown on SKY Sports.
It is Portugal’s first international window since the 2026 World Cup, where a 1-0 defeat to Spain ended their campaign and brought Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth and final appearance at the tournament to a close.
Quick facts
- Match: Portugal v Wales
- Competition: UEFA Nations League, League A
- Date: 24 September
- Venue: José Alvalade, Lisbon
- Kick-off: 12:45pm Central Mexico time
- Portugal are the reigning Nations League champions.
- Jorge Jesus takes charge of Portugal for the new cycle.
Portugal have responded to their early World Cup exit by appointing Jorge Jesus as head coach. The experienced Portuguese manager is tasked with guiding a talented generation into the next continental competitions, beginning with this Nations League campaign.
Jesus arrives after managing Al-Nassr, where he worked with Ronaldo, and brings a wide club résumé spanning Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Flamengo and Fenerbahçe. Portugal have four League A fixtures scheduled during this international window.
Wales arrive in the Portuguese capital from a far more painful end to their World Cup hopes. Craig Bellamy’s side missed out on the 2026 finals after losing on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the European play-off semi-finals.
Bellamy has remained in charge since taking the job in mid-2024. The former Wales international now continues his effort to establish the national team for the next cycle, with Lisbon providing an immediate test against the current Nations League champions.
