Portugal play their first matches since Euro 2024 in the September international window as they begin their latest UEFA Nations League campaign.
Roberto Martinez's team were eliminated on penalties by France at the quarterfinal stage of the competition in Germany, with Cristiano Ronaldo unable to inspire his team to win the trophy for the second time in three tournaments.
They begin their Nations League campaign this month, facing Croatia and Scotland in their opening two games of League A Group 1. The Selecao are expected to finish top of a pool that also contains Poland, but they will need strong performances over the coming days to give themselves the best chance of doing so.
The Sporting News has the latest lineup information and whether Ronaldo is involved in their latest game.
MORE: All the latest soccer action | Cristiano Ronaldo news
Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal today?
Ronaldo captains Portugal for today's match against Croatia.
The 39-year-old will be adding to his world record of international appearances among male footballers.
A família 🇵🇹 #PartilhaAPaixão pic.twitter.com/Zy9fkrgyL3
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) March 24, 2024
MORE: Where to watch Portugal vs. Croatia
Portugal vs. Croatia lineups, team news
Martinez has selected a strong attacking lineup that includes Ronaldo, Rafael Leao, new Chelsea signing Pedro Neto, and both Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva.
Portugal XI (4-3-3, right to left): Costa (GK) — Dalot, Dias, Ignacio, Mendes — B. Silva, Fernandes, Vitinha — Neto, Ronaldo, Leao.
Portugal subs: Sa, R. Silva, Semedo, A. Silva, Palhinha, Goncalves, Joao Felix, Veiga, Joao Neves, Trincao, Neves, Jota
Luka Modric captains Croatia for this fixture, with Manchester City duo Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol also starting.
Croatia XI (3-3-2-1-1, right to left): Livakovic (GK) — Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol — Jakic, Kovacic, Sosa — Pasalic, Baturina — Modric — Kramaric
Croatia subs: Labrovic, Kotarski, Caleta-Car, Moro, Budimir, P. Sucic, Perisic, Petkovic, Ivanusec, Pjaca, L. Sucic, Matanovic
What time does Portugal vs. Croatia kick off?
This UEFA Nations League match takes place at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal and kicks off on Thursday, September 5 at 8:45 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Thu, Sep. 5 | 3:45 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Thu, Sep. 5 | 3:45 p.m. ET |
| UK | Thu, Sep. 5 | 7:45 p.m. BST |
| Australia | Fri, Sep. 6 | 6:45 a.m. AEDT |
| India | Fri, Sep. 6 | 1:15 a.m. IST |
