Portugal have announced their squad for the first matches of the UEFA Nations League in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League with new head coach Jorge Jesus naming his first team since he took charge of the national side.
The squad was announced on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Portuguese Football Federation Cidade do Futebol headquarters. Jesus has selected 25 players for Portugal's first four Nations League matches. The squad has the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo as captain, as well as young players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão and Vitinha.
Jorge Jesus Begins Portugal Era
In the next few years Portugal will enter a new chapter, following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jesus replaced Roberto Martínez as Portugal's head coach after the World Cup and has now made his first selection for competitive matches.
The experienced coach has retained much of the core group that represented Portugal at the World Cup and also made a number of changes.
𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗼: Selar a Qualificação para o Europeu Sub-21 de 2027 🔏
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) September 18, 2026
🔗 𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗦 👉 https://t.co/ZFflgxbRPq#U21EURO | @UEFAMensYouth pic.twitter.com/e9lqod2rGn
Cristiano Ronaldo Included
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the big talking points from the announcement.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old, is still Portugal’s captain and has been selected for the opening Nations League games. Ronaldo has 233 international appearances and 146 goals for his country, according to Portugal.
His inclusion means the veteran forward is still part of Portugal's plans as the national team begins its new cycle under Jesus.
Four New Faces in the Squad
Jesus has brought in four players who were not part of Portugal's final World Cup squad.
They are goalkeeper Samuel Soares, defender Nuno Tavares, midfielder João Palhinha and forward Fábio Silva.
At the same time, goalkeeper José Sá, defenders Nélson Semedo and Matheus Nunes, midfielder Samu Costa and forward Gonçalo Guedes are among players who have been dropped from the previous squad.
Full Portugal Squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares
Defenders: João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes, Nuno Tavares
Midfielders: João Palhinha, Rúben Neves, Vitinha, João Neves, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes
Forwards: Francisco Conceição, Francisco Trincão, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, João Félix, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonçalo Ramos, Fábio Silva.
Portugal's Nations League Fixtures
Portugal will begin their Nations League title defence against Wales on September 24 in Lisbon.
They will then travel to Norway on September 27, before playing Denmark away on October 1. Portugal will meet Norway again at home on October 4. UEFA's official fixture list confirms the schedule.
Portugal will also face Denmark on November 14 before going to Wales on November 17.
A New Tactical Chapter
The squad announcement gives Jesus his first opportunity to implement his ideas with Portugal in competitive football.
A lot of experienced players are still in the squad, but young players such as Samuel Soares, Nuno Tavares and Fábio Silva add to the mix.
Portugal will enter the Nations League as the title holders and four games in the September-October international window will see them begin their campaign.
