Jordan James says Wales will face Portugal with confidence despite a depleted squad. The match is set for Thursday at Lisbon's Estádio da Luz.
From statements made by Jordan James, captain of the Wales national team, it is clear that the side does not fear facing Portugal in the opening match of Group A of the UEFA Nations League. The comment came after Wales announced a squad depleted by injuries and suspensions, yet James stressed that collective spirit and determination will compensate for any lack of experience.
What does Wales have to contend with? Portugal, hosting the game at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, is one of the world’s strongest sides, featuring stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo (if still active) and several Premier League talents. Nevertheless, James believes that "the best players in the world" are manageable when Wales plays as a unified unit.
When and where is the match?
The fixture is scheduled for Thursday, 22 September 2026, kick‑off at 20:45 CET, at the Lisbon stadium Estádio da Luz. It will be broadcast live across major sports channels in the UK and Europe.
Where will the real test lie? James points out that the challenge is not only the opponent’s technical level but also Wales’ ability to stay focused for the full 90 minutes, especially with several key players missing. He added that intensive training over the past two weeks has improved the team’s tactical cohesion and fighting spirit.
- Projected Wales XI: Jordan James (captain), Kie Harries, Alex Finn, among others.
- Projected Portugal XI: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Ricardo Quaresma.
- Key focus areas: organized defence, set‑piece efficiency, and quick counter‑attacks.
In summary, James insists that "pressure matters less if we have confidence in our abilities," and Wales aims to secure a positive result that showcases the squad’s progress on the international stage.
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