# Portugal national football team squad updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-national-football-team-squad-updates
> Updated: 2026-09-20T19:24:25.000Z. Sources: 89. Developments: 3.

Following Portugal’s exit from the 2026 World Cup, new head coach Jorge Jesus has announced his first 25-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign. The roster includes established players such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, and João Félix, alongside new additions like goalkeeper Samuel Soares, defender Nuno Tavares, João Palhinha, and Fábio Silva.

Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, has been confirmed to continue representing the national team, marking his first call-up under Jesus. Addressing Ronaldo’s inclusion, Jesus noted that while the veteran holds a ‘different status’ due to his career achievements, selection and starting positions will be based strictly on individual performance. Jesus stated, “If he has performance, he plays. If he does not have performance, he does not play.”

The coach, who previously worked with Ronaldo at the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, suggested their familiarity could benefit the squad. Of the 25 players selected, 13 have previously worked under Jesus.

As Jesus begins his tenure, the Portuguese national football team has commenced its training camp at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras to prepare for the Nations League. This period coincides with the second edition of the Portugal Football Globes gala, an event organized by the Portuguese Football Federation to honor excellence in football, futsal, and beach soccer. Notable attendees at the gala include Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. Portugal is scheduled to compete in League A, Group 4, with upcoming matches against Wales on September 24, Norway on September 27, and Denmark on October 1.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-20: Portugal national team begins Nations League prep under Jorge Jesus

Portugal begins its Nations League campaign under new head coach Jorge Jesus, with a 25-man squad including Cristiano Ronaldo preparing for their opening match against Wales.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-football-globes-gala-held-as-jorge-jesus-begins-national-team-tenure

### 2026-09-18: Cristiano Ronaldo called up to Portugal squad by Jorge Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Jorge Jesus's first Portugal squad for the UEFA Nations League, with the coach emphasizing that selection will be based on current performance rather than past legacy.

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jorge-jesus-names-portugal-squad-with-cristiano-ronaldo-included

### 2026-09-16: Cristiano Ronaldo named in Jorge Jesus' first Portugal squad

New Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has named his first squad for the UEFA Nations League, including 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, despite speculation regarding the veteran's international future.

53 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jorge-jesus-to-announce-first-portugal-national-team-squad

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Cite as: Portugal national football team squad updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-national-football-team-squad-updates