Portugal made a winning start to their UEFA Nations League title defence with a 1-0 win over Wales at the Estádio José Alvalade on Thursday 24 September 2026. It was also Jorge Jesus's first match as Portugal head coach, but the night belonged to João Félix rather than Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a string of chances.
Portugal vs Wales: Final Score and Goalscorer
Portugal 1-0 Wales (UEFA Nations League Group A4, Estádio José Alvalade)
- João Félix, 22': a shot that deflected in off Ben Davies
Match Report: How Portugal Held Off Wales
Wales started brightly and pressed high, with Lewis Koumas firing over from an offside position early on. Portugal soon took control. Félix set up an early chance for Ronaldo, who shot wide from a tight angle, before Félix broke the deadlock himself in the 22nd minute with a deflected effort.
It could have been more comfortable for the hosts. Ronaldo squandered several opportunities, including a close-range tap-in from a Rúben Neves setup that he somehow put over the bar, and a second-half finish that was ruled out by VAR for offside after he raced onto a Bruno Fernandes pass. In total, five of his seven shots missed the target, and he was substituted after 67 minutes having won his 234th Portugal cap.
Wales grew into the game and nearly snatched an equaliser when Brennan Johnson broke through and looped an effort onto the bar from the byline. Koumas tried to prod home the rebound, but Rúben Dias made a crucial clearance to preserve the lead.
Portugal vs Wales Stats
Portugal had 22 shots to Wales's five, a reflection of their control throughout, even if the finishing let them down on the night.
What the Result Means
For Portugal: It was a winning start for Jesus in his first match in charge, though the manner of the win, needing a deflected goal and missing a host of clear chances, echoed performances under previous managers Fernando Santos and Roberto Martínez. Félix impressed in a central role, a positional shift Jesus had hinted at before kick-off.
For Wales: Craig Bellamy's side were competitive for large parts and came close to an equaliser in the closing stages. They face a tough Nations League A group alongside Portugal, Norway and Denmark, a step up in level that came as a reward for promotion two years ago, and Bellamy sees it as a chance to boost Wales's seeding for Euro 2028.
FAQ: Portugal vs Wales
What was the score in Portugal vs Wales?
Portugal won 1-0 at the Estádio José Alvalade on 24 September 2026.
Who scored the goal?
João Félix, in the 22nd minute, with a shot that deflected off Ben Davies.
Did Cristiano Ronaldo score?
No. He missed five of his seven shots and had a second-half goal ruled out for offside by VAR.
Was this Jorge Jesus's first match as Portugal coach?
Yes, and Portugal won it.
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