Cristiano Ronaldo to start for Portugal against Wales in UEFA Nations League opener tonight

Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Portugal against Wales in their UEFA Nations League 2026-27 opening match tonight, manager Jorge Jesus confirmed ahead of the fixture.

Ronaldo, 41, remained in Portugal's plans after the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite widespread speculation he might retire following Portugal's elimination; Jorge Jesus, the national team's new head coach, selected him in the Nations League squad.

Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, will host Wales in the tournament opener; the two sides last met in 2016 and this will be their first meeting since then. The Selecao das Quinas will aim to begin their title defence with a home victory.

Jesus stated that Ronaldo will start tonight, underlining the forward's role in the line-up for the Wales match. The manager named Ronaldo in the starting XI for Portugal vs Wales in the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 match.

On recent form, Ronaldo scored three goals at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and has been in a decent run of form for Al Nassr. He netted eight goals in the UEFA Nations League last season and remains a focal point in Portugal's final third, with aerial ability cited as a notable strength.

Across his international career to date, Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal. Broadcast coverage for the Nations League opening fixtures will be available on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV.

Portugal will begin their Nations League 2026-27 campaign at home against Wales tonight, with Ronaldo confirmed in the starting line-up and the match shown live on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV.