Cancelo and Bernardo Silva in Portugal's first squad without Cristiano

Jorge Jesus names 28-player squad for Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales, the first Portugal call-up without Cristiano Ronaldo following his retirement.

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus announced a 28-player squad on Friday for Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales. The squad marks the first Portugal call-up since Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from professional football this week. Ronaldo's farewell video was shown at the Portuguese Football Federation's press conference in Oeiras, near Lisbon, before Jesus unveiled the squad.

João Cancelo features prominently after scoring twice from outside the box for Portugal in October. Bernardo Silva returns after regaining prominence at Real Madrid. Other key players including Vitinha and João Félix lead the squad. Villarreal defender Renato Veiga is included, while Monza striker Gustavo Varela—who has scored nine goals in nine Serie A matches this season—receives his call-up, with many viewing him as Ronaldo's successor in the national team.

Portugal tops Group D of the Nations League with 12 points and has won all matches since Spain eliminated them from the World Cup quarter-finals. They seek to maintain their winning streak in their first squad gathering following Ronaldo's departure.