RONALDO RETAINED AS JORGE JESUS NAMES FIRST PORTUGAL SQUAD

Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Jorge Jesus’ first squad as Portugal head coach as the national team begins a new cycle following the 2026 World Cup. The 41-year-old captain remains part of the squad for Portugal’s opening UEFA Nations League fixtures, with Jesus opting to retain much of the group that represented the country at the World Cup. 

Jesus named 25 players for the four upcoming matches against Wales, Norway and Denmark. The new coach made four notable additions to the squad, with goalkeeper Samuel Soares, defender Nuno Tavares, midfielder João Palhinha and forward Fábio Silva receiving call-ups. 

The squad also includes several of Portugal’s established stars, with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, João Neves, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, João Félix and Rúben Dias all selected. Gonçalo Guedes, who was part of the squad at the 2026 World Cup, is among those left out of Jesus’ first selection.

Portugal will begin its Nations League campaign against Wales on September 24 before travelling to face Norway three days later. The team will then play Denmark away on October 1 before returning home to face Norway on October 4.

Jesus, who replaced Roberto Martínez after the World Cup, has indicated that he intends to introduce his own tactical approach while maintaining a strong core of experienced players. Ronaldo’s inclusion also means the veteran forward continues his international career as he pursues the possibility of reaching 1,000 career goals.