Coach Jorge Jesus has named a 28-man Portugal squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales, marking a new era following Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement with seven new call-ups including Varela and Alberto Costa.
Portugal Squad Announcement for Nations League
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has announced a 28-member squad for the team's final two Group A4 matches of the UEFA Nations League, with right-back Alberto Costa and striker Gustavo Varela earning their maiden senior call-ups. According to Goal.com, Portugal will host Denmark in Braga on November 14 before travelling to Cardiff to take on Wales on November 17. Having already secured qualification for the quarter-finals alongside Spain, Portugal will aim to finish at the top of Group A4 in their remaining fixtures. The squad announcement comes following the international retirement of legendary captain Cristiano Ronaldo, marking the first selection since his departure from international football. Os convocados para os próximos desafios da Liga das Nações 2026/27 🗺️👀 #NationsLeague https://t.co/ANBq1844PQ — Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 6, 2026
New Talents and Team Overhaul
Key Inclusions and Absences
FC Porto defender Alberto Costa and Monza forward Gustavo Varela are the two notable newcomers in Jesus' selection. Varela has been in impressive form in Italy, leading the Serie A scoring charts with nine goals. Portugal will, however, be without Francisco Conceicao, who is suspended following his red card against Norway, while Nuno Mendes has been ruled out due to injury. Defender Joao Cancelo has been included despite being suspended for the opening fixture against Denmark. He will be available for Portugal's subsequent clash against Wales. The squad also features the return of Antonio Silva, Mateus Fernandes and Carlos Forbs, while young prospects Rodrigo Mora and Geovany Quenda have also been included.
Focusing on the Future
"Compared to the last squad selection, there are seven new players," Jesus explained regarding his overhaul, as quoted by Goal.com. "We intend to value the performance they have demonstrated at their respective clubs, which we consider compatible with a call-up to the senior national team. Five of these players were previously part of the under-21 team. Taking Cris's [Cristiano Ronaldo's] words, we want to focus on the renewal and future of the national team," the Portugal head coach added.
Portugal Squad Composition
Portugal squad: Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares. Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Alberto Costa, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Tomas Araujo, Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Tavares. Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Joao Palhinha, Mateus Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva. Forwards: Pedro Neto, Francisco Trincao, Rafael Leao, Geovany Quenda, Carlos Forbs, Joao Felix, Goncalo Ramos, Fabio Silva, Gustavo Varela. (ANI)
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