Jorge Jesus announces Portugal squad for November UEFA Nations League games with Rafael Leao selected

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus named his squad on Friday, November 6, 2026, for UEFA Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales, the first selection since Cristiano Ronaldo formally declared his retirement from international football.

The roster contains several notable absences: Paris Saint-Germain full-back Nuno Mendes is out injured, Francisco Conceicao is unavailable after UEFA imposed a three-match punishment following his red card against Norway, and Goncalo Inacio was omitted by Jesus on technical grounds. Seven players added compared with earlier selections are Alberto Costa, Antonio Silva, Matheus Fernandes, Carlos Forbs, Geovany Quenda, Rodrigo Mora and Gustavo Varela. Portugal have won their first four Nations League matches, qualifying for the quarterfinals, and need one point to secure top place in the group.

Jesus named three goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon) and Samuel Soares (Benfica). The defensive group includes Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Alberto Costa (Porto) and Ruben Dias (Manchester City). Also picked in defence were Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomas Araujo (Benfica), Antonio Silva (Bournemouth) and Nuno Tavares (Lazio).

Midfield selections were Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Joao Palhinha (Benfica), Matheus Fernandes (Tottenham) and Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain). The remaining midfielders named are Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) and Bernardo Silva (Real Madrid). Attacking options on the list include Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rodrigo Mora (Roma), Francisco Trincao (Al-Ahli), Rafael Leao (Galatasaray) and Geovany Quenda (Chelsea).

The attack also features Carlos Forbs (Club Brugge), Joao Felix (Al-Nassr), Goncalo Ramos (Milan), Fabio Silva (Borussia Dortmund) and Gustavo Varela (Monza). Portugal sit first in their Nations League group. "Os convocados para os próximos desafios da Liga das Nações 2026/27 🗺️👀 #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/ANBq1844PQ"

Portugal will face Denmark and Wales in their upcoming Nations League fixtures; they require one point to secure first place in the group and can finish ahead on head-to-head before the Wales match if they avoid losing to Denmark by more than one goal in the subsequent fixture.