Wales kick off their Nations League campaign with an away trip to defending champions Portugal on Thursday. The two nations experienced vastly different summers, with the Dragons set for their first competitive fixture after missing out on the World Cup following their play-off heartbreak. Craig Bellamy remains Wales' manager after turning down Burnley, and his side were beaten by Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in their semi-final in March to deny them a place in this summer's showpiece in North America.
Wales have returned to the top tier of the Nations League after winning their League B group in 2024. However, they face a stern test in their opening game, with 2025 competition winners Portugal up first in Lisbon. A new era has begun for the Portugal national team with Jorge Jesus succeeding Roberto Martinez in the dugout. Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in the Portugal squad despite sparking retirement fears following his country's World Cup exit, and is now looking to add to his record-breaking international goal haul.
Wales face an uphill task against Portugal, with a number of absentees leaving them rather depleted. Star man Harry Wilson was forced to withdraw due to a quad injury, before Nathan Broadhead and goalkeeper Karl Darlow did the same. In their place, an uncapped duo of veteran Leicester keeper David Cornell and Huddersfield forward Joe Taylor have been called up, as well as Reading midfielder Charlie Savage. Adding to Bellamy's woes, key defenders Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor had already been ruled out of the upcoming fixtures through injury.