[Portugal Edge Wales 1-0 via Felix Strike as Nations League Defences Begin]
Joao Felix nets the only goal of the game, while Cristiano Ronaldo has an effort ruled out, as Portugal beat Wales 1-0.
Joao Felix scored the only goal with a long‑range shot as reigning Nations League champions Portugal opened their campaign with a 1‑0 home win over Wales.
Published On 24 Sep 2026
Their sole goal arrived in the 22nd minute when a scuffed shot from the edge of the box by Félix brushed off Wales captain Ben Davies and slipped past Spanish‑based keeper Danny Ward.
For the better part of two centuries, Portugal’s attacking unit has been anchored by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Every time the 41‑year‑old, who debuted for the senior team in 2003, tapped near the striker’s feet, the stadium erupted, adding another octave to the cheers.
Ronaldo managed to score one early header, then delivered a striking volley that sent the ball high into the top corridor from close range.
An hour later, Ronaldo attempted a pass that skidded into Wales’ penalty area, but he was officially ruled offsite.
Immediately afterwards, he remained visibly stunned until being substituted seven minutes later.
With Ronaldo gone, Portugal’s performance gradually waned, and the team settled into a less assertive style.
Wales narrowly escaped victory twice, capitalising briefly before both attempts failed.
Brennan Johnson first nearly equalised with a chip to goalkeeper Diogo Costa that struck the bar.
Costa lay stranded; Luis Koumas and Dan James charged the rebound in succession.
Koumas ultimately found himself shooting a weak, directly‑on target aimed at Renato Dias.