Jorge Jesus has unveiled his first squad as Portugal manager, ushering in a new era for the national team. The selection, announced on Wednesday at the Football City complex in Oeiras, is for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the defence of their 2025 Nations League title.
The 71-year-old coach, who succeeds Roberto Martínez, takes charge of a side sitting 2nd in their qualifying group with five points from three games. The first test comes next Thursday, September 24, against Wales at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. The campaign continues with a trip to Oslo to face Norway on September 27, a visit to Copenhagen to play Denmark on October 1, and a return home to host Norway again at the Dragão on October 4.
Faith in Cristiano Ronaldo
The major certainty in the squad is Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old forward retains his place, with the manager stating he «counts on the historic forward, at a stage in his career where he is chasing his 1000th goal». His experience will be vital for a team looking to bounce back from their last result, a 1-0 defeat to Spain on July 6, and stays in the race for direct qualification, currently trailing leaders Colombia by two points.
New faces and returns
Jesus has introduced some surprises, with the call-up of midfielder Samu Costa a notable inclusion. In attack, there is room for potential returns like Gonçalo Paciência (Santa Clara), Fábio Silva (Borussia Dortmund) and André Silva (FC Porto). The situations of Rafael Leão, now at Galatasaray, and Gonçalo Guedes, with limited minutes at Real Sociedad, were assessed, with both keeping their spots.
In goal, Diogo Costa is the undisputed number one, with José Sá (Wolverhampton) and Rui Silva (Sporting) potentially missing out. Competition in midfield is fierce, with João Palhinha (Benfica) and Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham) vying for a place. In defence, Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting) could be left out in favour of Eduardo Quaresma.
This squad represents a significant test for the new cycle, with the team's recent form showing two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five outings. The objective is clear: secure a place at the 2026 World Cup and successfully defend the Nations League title. Fans can follow the team's progress and view the full player list on our squad page. Preparations for the Wales match begin immediately, with the first full training session scheduled for Thursday.
This story first appeared at Correio da Manhã
Jorge Jesus announced his first squad on Friday, September 18th. The manager stated that Cristiano Ronaldo is not guaranteed a starting place. "His past doesn't count. If he performs, he plays; if he doesn't perform, he doesn't play," said Jesus, who previously coached the forward at Al-Nassr. The team, sitting 2nd in qualification with 5 points, prepares for the match against Wales following the 1-0 defeat to Spain on July 6th.
Jorge Jesus's squad selection ends speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo's international future. The 41-year-old forward, who was in tears after the World Cup exit and refused to confirm his continuation, has been included in the 25-man group. The manager, who previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, replaces Roberto Martínez. The team, which has scored 6 goals and conceded just 1 in this qualification, prepares for the match against Wales.
Jorge Jesus confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo's call-up but reiterated the forward's status does not guarantee his starting spot. "Cris is a player like any other. If he performs, he plays; if not, he doesn't," said the manager. The team, sitting second in qualification with 5 points, prepares for the Wales match following the 1-0 defeat to Spain on July 6th.
