Craig Bellamy has handed a first call-up to Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford for Wales' return to the top flight of the Nations League but is without key defender Joe Rodon to take on Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo. Wales face Portugal, Denmark and Norway in League A of the competition, but will do so without first-choice centre-back Rodon who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Defensive partner Dylan Lawlor is also missing from the 28-man squad - he is yet to appear this season because of a knee problem - as is fellow Cardiff defender Ronan Kpakio.

Leeds United's Harry Wilson and Wolves midfielder Jordan James return to the squad after missing June's friendlies with Ghana and Romania through injury, as does Swansea City defender Ben Cabango. As well as returns for Mark Harris and Liam Cullen, there is a recall for 10-cap winger Wes Burns, now of Leicester City, who could make his first international appearance since 2024. Wales travel to face Portugal on 24 September in the first of four fixtures in this newly extended international break, with a home match against World Cup quarter-finalists Norway sandwiched by two games with Denmark.

Captain Ben Davies retains his place having been named in the squad for the summer games without featuring. The 33-year-old defender had not played since a serious ankle injury suffered with Tottenham in January, but has since returned to action for Spurs and is in contention for his first international appearance since October 2025 when he won his 100th cap. Wales' opponents are yet to name their squads, although Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be selected for Portugal in their first games under his former Saudi Pro League club boss, Jorge Jesus.

Now they face that challenge in quick succession, starting with prospect of current Nations League holders Portugal. Wales - who are 38th in the world rankings, their lowest position since August 2014 - then travel to Copenhagen to take on a Denmark side ranked 21st in the world before the visit of World Cup quarter-finalists Norway to Cardiff (1 October) and the return game with Denmark (4 October).