Wales’ 2026-27 Nations League campaign gets off to the most difficult of starts, a trip to face reigning champions Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s side lifted the trophy for a second time back in June 2025, beating Spain on penalties in a thoroughly entertaining finale.
Portugal will now be eyeing more success on this stage, particularly after a disappointing World Cup 2026 campaign – after which Roberto Martinez stepped down as manager.
Jorge Jesus is the new boss, while Wales remain under the tutelage of Craig Bellamy, who will look to guide his country to Euro 2028 qualification.
But first up is the Nations League and our full online betting preview for Thursday night’s contest in Lisbon.
We have also picked out some more tips based on the latest Nations League odds, while the exciting Bet Builder feature remains available for this contest.
Where can I watch Portugal vs Wales in the UK?
Portugal vs Wales will be broadcast live on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45pm UK time.
Portugal vs Wales Preview
Recent results
Portugal’s World Cup 2026 campaign was far from great. Draws with DR Congo (1-1) and Colombia (0-0) either side of a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan saw them handed a more difficult knockout path. A dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32 was then followed by a 1-0 loss to old rivals Spain and the familiar feeling of early elimination.
Wales failed to qualify for the World Cup. The Red Dragons secured a spot in the UEFA Play-Offs courtesy of a 7-1 home win over North Macedonia, but then lost out to Bosnia & Herzegovina on penalties in the semi-finals after a 1-1 draw. Bellamy’s side played three friendlies since that miserable night in Cardiff, draws with Northern Ireland (1-1) and Ghana (1-1) followed by a 2-1 loss to Romania.
Head-to-head record
Portugal and Wales have only met four times in history, the former claiming three victories and the latter one.
The most recent meeting was at Euro 2016, a semi-final clash which Portugal won 2-0 en route to lifting the trophy.
Team news
*Squads subject to change
Portugal squad:
Goalkeepers – Diogo Costa, Samuel Soares, Rui Silva
Defenders – Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo, Renato Veiga, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes, Nuno Tavares
Midfielders – Joao Palhinha, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes
Forwards – Francisco Coinceicao, Francisco Trincao, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos, Fabio Silva
Wales squad:
Goalkeepers – Karl Darlow, Danny Ward, Tom King
Defenders – Jay Dasilva, Jayden Lienou, Ben Davies, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Chris Mepham, Ben Cabango, Neco Williams, Connor Roberts
Midfielders – Ethan Ampadu, Josh Sheehan, Jordan James, Liam Cullen, Joel Colwill, Harry Wilson, Sorba Thomas, David Brooks, Cameron Congreve, Wes Burns
Forwards – Nathan Broadhead, Brennan Johnson, Kieffer Moore, Lewis Koumas, Mark Harris, Dan James, Cian Ashford
Portugal vs Wales Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Portugal are massive favourites to claim the win here at a price of 1.19. A victory for Wales is at long odds of 13.00, while the draw is 5.70.
Portugal vs Wales Betting Tips
Anytime goalscorer – Cristiano Ronaldo @ 1.50
Ronaldo is still going strong at the age of 41 and has enjoyed a decent start to the Saudi Pro League season with three goals in six appearances. He also boasts a great record in this competition with 15 goals in 20 Nations League matches, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner netting five times in his last five League A outings. Short odds, perhaps, but a solid bet nonetheless.
Portugal total goals – Over 2.5 @ 1.96
Jesus will be urging his team to make a positive statement in his first match in charge, particularly after their average World Cup campaign. So we are backing at least three goals from Ronaldo and his colleagues. Lest we forget, Portugal’s last home game saw them thrash Armenia 9-1!
Player to score or assist – Nuno Mendes @ 2.60
It might seem weird tipping a left-back to score or assist, but Mendes is no ordinary player. The Portuguese flyer arrives for international duty on the back of creating five big chances in Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-1 win at Marseille, the most by a single player in a Ligue 1 match this season. It is a great stat, and with Portugal set to dominate possession, expect Mendes to play more as a winger with a strong emphasis on utilising his attacking instincts.
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