Story perspectives

Ronaldo starts as Portugal kicks off Nations League defense

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 10:38 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Portugal Opens Nations

Portugal opens its 2026-27 UEFA Nations League defense at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade on September 24.
Jorge Jesus takes charge for Portugal’s first competitive match since the 2026 World Cup.
Captain Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, aims for his 1,000th career goal, needing 21 more.
Wales return to League A after winning Group B4 last season.
Injuries sideline Wales’ Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead, Karl Darlow and Joe Rodon.

Summary

Ronaldo Mulls Retirement

Ronaldo admitted he considered retiring from international football after the World Cup.
Ronaldo discussed his future with federation president and coach Jorge Jesus after the round-of-16 loss to Spain.
Coach Jorge Jesus confirmed Ronaldo will start, giving him his 234th cap for Portugal.
Ronaldo said he will quit when he feels he no longer contributes on the pitch.
Ronaldo joked he could keep playing another ten years despite being 41.

Summary

Ronaldo Deflects Criticism

Portuguese authorities locked down Lisbon airport to secure Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival before the Nations League match.
Craig Bellamy said he was stuck on a coach for 10-15 minutes while police surrounded the terminal.
Jorge Jesus defended Ronaldo, calling him “beyond a superstar,” and said his participation depends on the manager’s decision.
Ronaldo replied criticism won’t affect him, joking TV channels have tried to “kill me with a shotgun.”

History

Historical Context

Portugal’s 1-0 extra-time win over France on 10 July 2016 gave the nation its first major trophy, made them the tenth European champion and earned a spot in the 2017 Confederations Cup. The triumph, witnessed by 75,868 fans and generating €1.22 billion in revenue, cemented a legacy that sees veteran Cristiano Ronaldo reinstated for the 2026-27 Nations League opener.

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Portugal Opens Nations

Portugal opens its 2026-27 UEFA Nations League defense at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade on September 24.
Jorge Jesus takes charge for Portugal’s first competitive match since the 2026 World Cup.
Captain Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, aims for his 1,000th career goal, needing 21 more.
Wales return to League A after winning Group B4 last season.
Injuries sideline Wales’ Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead, Karl Darlow and Joe Rodon.

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