Key Takeaways:
- Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal’s preliminary squad for next month’s Nations League fixtures, following a period of suspension
- The Portuguese football federation confirmed Ronaldo could return for matches against Denmark and Wales on November 14 and 17
- Portugal have secured quarter-final qualification in the Nations League, winning all four matches so far, with three victories coming in Ronaldo’s absence
Ronaldo’s Path Back to the National Team
Cristiano Ronaldo appears poised for an international return after being selected in Portugal’s provisional squad for their upcoming Nations League encounters, a development confirmed by a federation source to AFP on Tuesday. The veteran forward, aged 41, had dramatically departed the national camp on 30 September during the beginning of the Nations League qualifiers, later accusing manager Jorge Jesus of reneging on a promise of playing time.
A representative of the Portuguese football federation (FPF) confirmed that Ronaldo is in line for a recall ahead of the home tie against Denmark and an away fixture in Wales, which are scheduled for 14 and 17 November. The spokesperson specified that the final squad will be announced by Jesus on 6 November.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s preliminary squad despite his clash with Jorge Jesus!
He will be eligible for Portugal’s matches against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17.
The final squad will be announced on November 6. https://t.co/J0YIEaTvvU
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 27, 2026
Disciplinary Issues and Apology
Ronaldo was handed a 30-day suspension by the FPF last week for departing camp early. The ban, applied retroactively, means he is eligible for selection by the end of this week. Earlier in October, the star forward issued an apology to supporters and indicated his willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action was deemed appropriate.
Following the incident, Ronaldo used social media to claim that Jesus failed to keep a pledge to provide playing time versus Norway, but reiterated that he had no intention of retiring from the international scene. Additionally, Ronaldo highlighted his frustration with the manager’s failure to raise pre-agreed talking points during a press briefing ahead of the Denmark fixture.
Portugal’s Form Without Their Veteran Star
Defending champions Portugal maintained a perfect record during the Nations League group stage, advancing to the quarter-finals with two matches to spare. Notably, three of Portugal’s four victories in the competition were achieved in Ronaldo’s absence.
| Fixture | Date |
|---|---|
| Portugal vs Denmark | 14 November |
| Wales vs Portugal | 17 November |
Ronaldo’s Historic International Career
Ronaldo holds the records as the all-time leading goalscorer and appearance-maker in men’s international football. Making his debut for the national side in 2003 at just 18 years of age, he has suggested that this season will “probably” mark the end of his distinguished football career.
