Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be in the starting lineup for Portugal today against Wales in Matchday 1 of the 2026–28 UEFA Nations League.
Portugal hosts Wales on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 2:45 PM ET. Ronaldo is expected to lead Portugal’s attack as the national team begins its latest UEFA Nations League campaign.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Today?
Yes. As of the latest pre-match information, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play and start for Portugal against Wales.
Barring a late fitness issue or unexpected lineup change before kickoff, Ronaldo should be part of Portugal’s starting XI rather than beginning the match on the bench.
Official starting lineups are typically announced approximately one hour before kickoff, which will provide final confirmation of Ronaldo’s status.
Portugal vs Wales Match Information
- Match: Portugal vs Wales
- Competition: 2026–28 UEFA Nations League
- Matchday: Matchday 1
- Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Kickoff: 2:45 PM ET
- Venue: Estádio José Alvalade
- Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Ronaldo Continues His Portugal Career
Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s plans despite being in the later stages of his historic international career.
The Portugal captain has accumulated more than 200 international appearances and remains one of the national team’s attacking options. His continued presence also gives Portugal considerable experience as the team begins another UEFA Nations League campaign.
If Ronaldo takes the field against Wales, it will add another appearance to an international career that has already established numerous records for Portugal and international men’s soccer.
Portugal Begins Nations League Campaign Against Wales
The Wales matchup represents Portugal’s first game of the new UEFA Nations League campaign, making it an important opportunity to pick up three points early in the group stage.
Portugal will enter the match with home-field advantage in Lisbon, while Wales will be looking to produce an upset and begin its Nations League schedule with a positive result.
With Ronaldo expected to start, much of the attention will once again be on whether the Portuguese superstar can add another international goal to his career total.
Cristiano Ronaldo Status vs Wales: Expected to Start
The latest indication heading into Portugal vs Wales is that Cristiano Ronaldo will play and is expected to start.
Fans should still watch for Portugal’s official starting lineup approximately one hour before the 2:45 PM ET kickoff for final confirmation.