Portugal opens its 2026–27 UEFA Nations League campaign against Wales today, September 24, 2026, at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. With both teams beginning League A Group 4 on zero points, the result will establish the early standings in the race for the Nations League quarterfinals.
Here is what happens if Portugal wins, ties or loses against Wales today.
What Happens If Portugal Beats Wales?
If Portugal defeats Wales, Portugal will earn three points from its opening UEFA Nations League match.
A victory would give Portugal an ideal start in Group 4 and put the defending Nations League champions in an early position to compete for one of the group’s two quarterfinal places.
Portugal’s exact position in the table would also depend on the result of the other Group 4 match between Norway and Denmark.
After facing Wales, Portugal would still have five group-stage matches remaining.
Portugal With a Win
- Portugal: 3 points
- Wales: 0 points
- Portugal remains unbeaten
- Portugal takes an early step toward a top-two finish
- Five group matches remain
What Happens If Portugal and Wales Tie?
If Portugal and Wales draw, each team receives one point.
Portugal would move to one point after Matchday 1, while Wales would also have one. The Norway-Denmark result could then determine which teams finish the opening matchday at the top of the group.
A draw would not seriously damage Portugal’s qualification hopes, especially with five games still remaining.
Portugal With a Tie
- Portugal: 1 point
- Wales: 1 point
- Both teams remain unbeaten
- Portugal remains in contention for the quarterfinals
- Five group matches remain
What Happens If Portugal Loses to Wales?
If Wales defeats Portugal, Portugal receives zero points, while Wales earns three.
Portugal would begin the Nations League campaign playing from behind in the standings, but a loss would not eliminate Portugal from the competition.
With five matches remaining, Portugal would still have a maximum of 15 additional points available, leaving plenty of opportunity to climb the Group 4 table.
Portugal With a Loss
- Portugal: 0 points
- Wales: 3 points
- Portugal starts the group with a defeat
- Portugal is not eliminated
- Five matches remain to recover
Can Portugal Qualify for the Nations League Quarterfinals Today?
No. Portugal cannot clinch a quarterfinal berth against Wales on Matchday 1.
Likewise, Portugal cannot be eliminated from quarterfinal contention with a loss.
The Nations League group stage consists of six matches, with Portugal facing Wales, Norway and Denmark twice each — once at home and once away.
How Does Portugal Advance to the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals?
Portugal’s primary objective is to finish first or second in its League A group.
The top two teams advance to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, meaning every point accumulated across the six-match group stage could prove important.
That makes the scenarios against Wales straightforward:
| Portugal Result | Points Earned | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Win vs Wales | 3 | Maximum start and early boost in top-two race |
| Tie vs Wales | 1 | Remains in contention with an unbeaten start |
| Loss vs Wales | 0 | Falls behind early but remains in contention |
Portugal vs Wales Match Information
Match: Portugal vs Wales
Competition: 2026–27 UEFA Nations League A, Group 4
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Kickoff: 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Estádio José Alvalade
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
TV: FOX Soccer Plus
Streaming: FOX Sports online
What’s at Stake for Portugal vs Wales?
Portugal’s opening match against Wales will not decide qualification, but collecting three points at home would provide an important early advantage.
A Portugal win means three points, a draw means one point, and a loss means zero points. Regardless of today’s result, Portugal will still have five Nations League group matches remaining to pursue a top-two finish and qualification for the quarterfinals.