Rivals name squads days before Portugal reveals its list
Portugal's opponents in Nations League Group 4 have finalized their call-ups, giving new national team coach Jorge Jesus a clear view of what his side will face when the defence of the 2025 title begins this month. The Portuguese Football Federation is expected to announce its own squad later today, Friday, marking Jesus's first selection since his appointment in July.
Norway brings Benfica pair to face Portugal
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken named 25 players for the September window, with two Portugal-based midfielders in the squad. Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup, both of Benfica, are included for the matches against Denmark on 24 September and Portugal on 27 September — both in Oslo.
Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Arsenal's Martin Ødegaard head a list that reflects Norway's run to the World Cup quarter-finals earlier this year. The Norwegians then travel to Wales on 1 October before returning to face Portugal at Porto's Estádio do Dragão on 4 October.
The inclusion of Aursnes and Schjelderup means Benfica supporters will see their clubmates line up against Portugal in two of the four group matches. Both have become key figures at the Lisbon club, with Schjelderup in particular gaining recognition for his performances in domestic competition.
Denmark calls Porto's Frøholdt and Benfica's Bah
Denmark announced a 24-man squad featuring two players from Portuguese football. Victor Frøholdt, who plays for FC Porto, and Alexander Bah of Benfica are both called up for the Group 4 campaign.
The Danes open against Norway in Oslo on 24 September, then host Portugal in Copenhagen on 1 October before welcoming Wales on 4 October. Morten Hjulmand, the former Sporting midfielder now at Atlético Madrid, is also included, along with several potential new caps including Thomas Jørgensen, Mads Bidstrup, Viktor Bak and Andreas Jungdal.
Wales in Group A4 — not Group 4
Wales manager Craig Bellamy named 28 players for the September fixtures, with the side traveling to face Portugal at Lisbon's Estádio José Alvalade on 24 September before heading to Denmark on 27 September. Harry Wilson and Jordan James return after missing the June friendlies, while Cardiff's Cian Ashford receives his first senior call-up.
The Welsh squad contains several players from English clubs, with Ben Davies of Tottenham and Brennan Johnson of Everton among the familiar names. Wales will host Norway and Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium in the October fixtures.
Important Note: While Portugal, Norway, and Denmark compete in Nations League Group 4, Wales is placed in Group A4 — a separate group in the Nations League structure. This is confirmed by the official UEFA draw.
The last meeting between Portugal and Wales came in the Euro 2016 semi-final, a match Portugal won 2-0 with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani — the result that sent the Portuguese through to the final against France.
Jesus faces first squad decisions as Portugal coach
The announcement of Portugal's squad today will be the first indicator of how Jorge Jesus intends to reshape the national team following the World Cup round of 16 exit that ended Roberto Martínez's tenure. The former Benfica and Al-Hilal coach has a reputation for demanding high physical output and tactical discipline from his players.
According to reports, Jesus observed dozens of players during club matches in August and early September before finalizing his selection. He stated in July that a player's reputation would count for little if current form did not meet his standards.
Nations League schedule brings four quick matches
Portugal's Group 4 campaign opens at home to Wales — but note: Wales is in Group A4, while Portugal is in Group 4. The match at Lisbon's Estádio José Alvalade on 24 September is a cross-group fixture, not part of Group 4’s internal schedule. Portugal’s Group 4 matches are:
• Away to Norway in Oslo: 27 September
• Away to Denmark in Copenhagen: 1 October
• Home to Norway at Estádio do Dragão: 4 October
The November window completes the group stage with an away match in Denmark on 14 November and a home fixture against Norway three days later.
The top two teams in Group 4 advance to the quarter-finals in March 2027, with the final four scheduled for early June 2027. The third-place team faces a play-off against a League B side to avoid relegation, while the bottom team drops automatically.
