Jorge Jesus has named his first Portugal national football team squad for the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League. Cristiano Ronaldo remains part of the 25-man group.
The new Portugal boss has selected a mix of established stars and familiar players from his coaching career. The squad also includes four players who were not part of Portugal’s final 2026 World Cup squad.
Portugal will open its Nations League campaign against Wales on September 24. The article covers the full squad, Ronaldo’s inclusion, new selections, and Portugal’s Group A4 fixtures.
Portugal National Football Team Squad for UEFA Nations League
Jorge Jesus has selected 25 players for Portugal’s first four Nations League matches. The group includes experienced names such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and Ronaldo.
Here are the complete Portugal national football team squad details:
Goalkeepers
- Diogo Costa
- Rui Silva
- Samuel Soares
Defenders
- Gonçalo Inácio
- João Cancelo
- Diogo Dalot
- Nuno Tavares
- Nuno Mendes
- Renato Veiga
- Rúben Dias
- Tomás Araújo
Midfielders
- Bruno Fernandes
- João Palhinha
- João Neves
- Rúben Neves
- Vitinha
- Bernardo Silva
Forwards
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Fábio Silva
- Francisco Trincão
- Francisco Conceição
- Gonçalo Ramos
- João Félix
- Pedro Neto
- Rafael Leão
Cristiano Ronaldo Included in the Portugal National Football Team
Cristiano Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s plans under new coach Jorge Jesus. The forward has also retained his role as the national team captain.
Ronaldo confirmed in July that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final appearance. However, he has not confirmed whether he will retire from international football after the World Cup.
Jesus has also stressed that Ronaldo’s selection will depend on his performances. The new coach said he will be treated like every other player when selection decisions are made.
Four New Faces in Jorge Jesus’ First Squad
Jesus has made four changes to Portugal’s squad following the 2026 World Cup. Samuel Soares, Nuno Tavares, João Palhinha and Fábio Silva are the four players added to the group.
The squad also includes several players who have previously worked with Jesus at club level. Thirteen members of the group have played under the new Portugal manager during his coaching career.
Jesus took charge of Portugal in July after Roberto Martínez left following the 2026 World Cup. He will now begin his tenure with four Nations League matches during the opening international window.
Portugal National Football Team UEFA Nations League Fixtures 2026
Portugal is in League A, Group A4, alongside Denmark, Norway, and Wales. UEFA has confirmed six league-phase matches for the reigning Nations League champions.
Here are Portugal’s confirmed Nations League fixtures:
| Matchday | Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matchday 1 | September 24, 2026 | Portugal vs Wales | Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon |
| Matchday 2 | September 27, 2026 | Norway vs Portugal | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo |
| Matchday 3 | October 1, 2026 | Denmark vs Portugal | Parken, Copenhagen |
| Matchday 4 | October 4, 2026 | Portugal vs Norway | Estádio do Dragão, Porto |
| Matchday 5 | November 14, 2026 | Portugal vs Denmark | Estádio Municipal de Braga |
| Matchday 6 | November 17, 2026 | Wales vs Portugal | Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff |
Jorge Jesus Begins Portugal Tenure
Jorge Jesus will begin his Portugal tenure against Wales on September 24. Portugal will then travel to Norway and Denmark before hosting Norway again on October 4.
These four Nations League matches will mark Jesus’ first competitive test as Portugal manager. His squad blends established internationals with the four new additions to the group.
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Conclusion
Jorge Jesus now begins his Portugal tenure with a new squad and a clear competitive challenge in the Nations League. His first selection brings together experienced internationals and players returning to the national setup.
The opening international window will also show how Jesus shapes the team after the World Cup. His approach and player choices will set the tone for the next phase of Portugal’s international campaign.
