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Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Tonight?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Sep 24, 2026 12:17 PM ET

The UEFA Nations League returns for another cycle, and the defending champions Portugal will be in League A, Group 4.

Portugal are in Group 4 with Denmark, Wales, and Norway, and their first opponent is Wales today at the Estádio José Alvalade.

This is Portugal’s first game since the 2026 World Cup, where Spain knocked them out in the Round of 16. Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain late in the match, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career.

Cristiano Ronaldo started and played in all five of Portugal’s World Cup games this summer, scoring three goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal shoots and misses a chance against Aymeric Laporte #14 of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

After the tournament, Ronaldo did not retire from the national team and was called up for the four UEFA Nations League games in this international break.

Ahead of the Portugal vs. Wales match, Ronaldo insisted he is ready to continue representing the Portuguese national team under new head coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo said, “I’m completely ready to play. If the coach wants me to start the match on the bench, I’m ready for that too. Even if I don’t play in the match, there won’t be a problem. It’s about managing the squad, and that’s the coach’s responsibility.”

Ronaldo is expected to start for Portugal against Wales but might not play the full match given the heavy schedule.