Félix strikes as Portugal edge Wales in Nations League opener

Portugal started life under Jorge Jesus with a narrow Nations League win over Wales in Lisbon.

João Félix settled it. His first-half strike was the difference at the José Alvalade Stadium on 24 September 2026, in a Matchday 1 tie in the League Phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League Reuters. Portugal began the night as defending champions.

The goal came in the 22nd minute Fox Sports. Nuno Mendes drifted infield from the left and fed Félix. He struck from the edge of the box, from about 20 yards out. The shot clipped Wales captain Ben Davies and beat goalkeeper Danny Ward.

It arrived a minute after Pedro Neto had tried his luck with the score still 0-0. That quick one-two punch set the tone. Portugal pressed. Wales held on.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the other story. Aged 41, he started up front after Jesus had promised he would, and Jesus knows him well from coaching him at Al-Nassr last season The Guardian. Ronaldo had a goal disallowed. Then he missed a sitter from a few yards at the start of the second half.

He left in the 67th minute. He peeled the captain's armband from his left bicep as he walked off. Referee Donatas Rumsas oversaw a game that grew tetchy after the break.

Wales had their moments. Ben Cabango's header was their sole effort at goal in the first half. After the interval they stretched Portugal. Brennan Johnson crashed one effort against the crossbar. Lewis Koumas looked ready to score until Rúben Dias made the block.

Wales were without Harry Wilson and Karl Darlow through injury. They stayed compact and made the holders work for every yard. Kick-off was 7:45pm BST, with live text from BBC Sport and commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.

For Portugal, there was a sense of a reset. Rúben Neves replacing João Neves was the only change from the team that lost to Spain in Dallas in the World Cup last 16. Jesus, taking charge for this game as the new manager, kept faith with the rest.

What makes this stand out is the mix of old and new. Ronaldo still leads the line and still draws the noise. Félix, fed by Mendes, provided the finish. For Wales, defeat but plenty of fight.

Portugal take the three points. Wales take encouragement. The group is only just moving.