# Wales won't fear star-studded Portugal

> Jordan James says Wales have a puncher's chance against Portugal's world-class midfield in Nations League opener.
- Title: Wales won't fear star-studded Portugal · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: Jordan James says Wales have a puncher's chance against Portugal's world-class midfield in Nations League opener. Underdogs Wales are missing key players but…
- Keywords: wales, portugal, nations league, jordan james, football, lisbon, bruno fernandes, cristiano ronaldo, underdogs, sports, won't, fear
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cmn9wpzrz3g1o
- Published: 2026-09-21T15:36:40.595+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: wales, portugal, nations league, jordan james, football, lisbon, bruno fernandes, cristiano ronaldo, underdogs, sports
## Wales face Portugal without key players
Wales arrive in Lisbon already missing Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor, then lost Karl Darlow, Nathan Broadhead and star Harry Wilson to late withdrawals.
## Portugal's midfield is world-class
Portugal's lineup includes Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes and 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.
## James says Wales have no fear
Wolverhampton midfielder Jordan James insists Wales will approach the match as underdogs with a puncher's chance to cause an upset.

> You can't count us out. We've got a puncher's chance and we're going there to sort of cause an upset.
## James has faced elite midfields before
The 21-year-old produced a stellar performance when Wales beat Croatia in October 2023, facing Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic.

> I've still got Kovacic's shirt on the game up in my room. That was a really proud moment for me at such a young age.
## Ronaldo is a generational talent
James describes facing Ronaldo as a bit mad, noting the 41-year-old has scored 146 international goals over 23 years with superhuman consistency.

> You get those sort of aliens in a way that don't seem human. The longevity of how they're able to do it is unbelievable.
## Wales seek first win since November
Wales are searching for their first victory since beating North Macedonia in World Cup qualifying last November.
## Match details and broadcast info
Portugal v Wales kicks off Thursday, September 24 at 7:45 PM BST at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, live on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Wales.
## Key takeaway

Underdogs Wales are missing key players but midfielder Jordan James insists they won't be intimidated by Portugal's elite talent.