Portugal Defeats Wales 1-0 in UEFA Nations League Opener in Lisbon
Portugal kicked off their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Wales in Lisbon, with Joao Felix scoring the decisive goal and Cristiano Ronaldo having a goal disallowed.
By Mei-Ling Chao · First published 24 Sept 2026
In brief
- Portugal and Wales met in Lisbon for the opening match of the UEFA Nations League group stage.
- Joao Felix scored the only goal of the match, securing a narrow victory for Portugal.
- Cristiano Ronaldo started for Portugal and had a goal ruled out during the game.
- The match marked Portugal's first competitive game under new head coach Jorge Jesus.
- Portugal begins their Nations League title defense with three points, while Wales starts with a loss.
Timeline · 6 moments
BBC announces live coverage details for Portugal vs Wales
BBC - Home ↗Streaming platforms offer free access to Nations League opener
TechRadar ↗Portuguese and UK outlets confirm match time and TV channels
L'Équipe ↗Portugal and Wales kick off Nations League campaign in Lisbon
CNN Brasil ↗Joao Felix scores as Portugal beats Wales 1-0
Al Jazeera ↗Cristiano Ronaldo has goal disallowed in opening match win
ESPN FC ↗How it started
Portugal and Wales were set to face each other in the opening match of the UEFA Nations League group stage. The game was scheduled to be played at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, drawing attention as both teams looked to start their campaigns strongly.
Interest was high, with live coverage announced across multiple platforms in both Portugal and the UK. Portugal entered the match as defending champions, while Wales aimed to upset the hosts on their home turf.
How it unfolded
On September 23, outlets shared details about match timings, line-ups, and how to watch the game live. Fans in the UK and Ireland could access free streams through services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and others, while Portuguese viewers tuned in via SporTV and other broadcasters. The BBC and other sources provided live text and video updates as the match approached.
On September 24, the match kicked off in Lisbon. Portugal, now led by new head coach Jorge Jesus, started with Cristiano Ronaldo in the lineup. Joao Felix scored the only goal of the game, giving Portugal the lead and ultimately the win. Ronaldo himself found the net, but his effort was ruled out, leaving him frustrated on what was otherwise a successful night for the hosts.
The game was closely contested, with both teams creating chances, but Portugal managed to hold on to their narrow advantage. The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 win for Portugal, allowing them to start their Nations League defense with a victory.
Where it stands
Portugal has three points after their opening win over Wales and sits in a strong position in their Nations League group. Joao Felix's goal proved decisive, while Ronaldo's disallowed effort was a talking point.
Wales begins their campaign with a loss and will look to recover in their upcoming fixtures. Portugal's new coach, Jorge Jesus, starts his tenure on a positive note with a win at home.
What to watch
Both teams will now prepare for their next group matches in the UEFA Nations League. Portugal will aim to build on their strong start, while Wales will be looking for a better result in their next outing. The development of Portugal under Jorge Jesus, including how he manages key players like Ronaldo and Felix, will remain a focus in the coming games.


