Portugal vs Wales prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, September 24, 2026
UEFA Nations League A
On September 24, 2026, the national teams of Portugal and Wales will meet in the first round of UEFA Nations League A. The hosts are expected to do nothing less than win
Portugal vs Wales: team news and expert analysis
Portugal did not falter under Martinez — last year, they even won the Nations League again while also qualifying directly for the World Cup. However, they were eliminated in the round of 16 at the tournament itself: in the group stage, they beat only Uzbekistan, drawing with DR Congo and Colombia, while in the knockout stage they edged out Croatia thanks to a goal in the 90+ minute. But then they themselves failed to hold on until the final whistle against Spain. Now they will have a new head coach, Jesus, and it seemed they would already need to learn how to play without their longtime leader, Ronaldo. Yet he is once again on the squad list!
Without Bale, Wales are now missing out on their second tournament in a row. They failed to qualify for the European Championship after losing on penalties in the decisive playoff round. Almost the same story unfolded in March, but this time they were eliminated in a shootout by their very first opponent, Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a result, Bellamy's men then played only friendlies: they drew 1-1 with Northern Ireland and Ghana and lost 1-2 to Romania.
The hosts are currently scoring 2.3 goals per game and conceding 0.6 in return. The figures for the British side are almost level: they score an average of 1.5 goals while conceding 1.4.
Previous matches: Portugal vs Wales
Portugal won both of the previous head-to-head meetings without conceding.
We expect another victory with a -1.5-goal handicap (odds: 1.70).
Portugal vs Wales: key statistics and trends
- Portugal have won two of their last four matches
- In 50% of Portugal's matches, both teams score, while the average total is 2.9 goals per game
- Wales have been unable to win in four consecutive matches
- In 60% of Wales' matches, both teams score, while the average total is 2.9 goals per game
Portugal vs Wales: possible starting lineups
Portugal play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Costa — Mendes, Veiga, Dias, Cancelo — Neves, Vitinha — Felix, Fernandes, Neto — Ramos
Wales play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Ward — Norrington-Davies, Ampadu, Davies, Williams — Cullen, Sheehan — James, Koumas, Johnson — Moore
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the UEFA Nations League table
