# António Silva and Renato Veiga to start at centre-back against Wales

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/nacional-en/antonio-silva-and-renato-veiga-to-start-at-centre-back-against-wales/
- Published: 2026-11-15T21:34:37+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T21:38:14+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Nacional
- Tags: Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias

## Key points

- Rúben Dias falta ao jogo contra o País de Gales por acumulação de cartões amarelos na fase de grupos da Liga das Nações.
- Com a lesão de Tomás Araújo, Jorge Jesus deverá apostar na dupla António Silva e Renato Veiga no eixo da defesa.
- Será a primeira vez que os dois jogam juntos desde o empate 0-0 com o México, em março.

## Article

António Silva and Renato Veiga are about to form a new centre-back partnership for the national team as Portugal prepare to face Wales. The absence of Rúben Dias, who picked up his second yellow card in the Nations League group stage, opens the door to a new combination, as it will be only the third time that the centre-back has missed one of the national team’s last 35 matches.

The situation became even more complicated with the injury to Tomás Araújo, who was in the initial squad. Jorge Jesus therefore has three centre-backs available: Renato Veiga, with 23 caps, Gonçalo Inácio, with 22, and António Silva, who has 20. Jesus is expected to opt for Veiga and Silva in the starting XI against Wales, a choice that marks a new approach in the team’s defence. It will be the first time they have played together since the match against Mexico in March, which Portugal drew 0-0.

The importance of this pairing cannot be underestimated, since, since Pepe’s departure after Euro 2024, Portugal have used seven centre-back pairings in 27 matches. The combination of António Silva and Renato Veiga is a new attempt to shore up the defence, especially in a crucial match like this one. The last game in which both started together was marked by notable performances, with Silva showing security and Veiga dominating in the air, essential elements for success in Cardiff.

The national team head coach will have to assess not only the chemistry between the two centre-backs, but also how this change will affect the team’s dynamic in the match against Wales. Expectations are high, considering that throughout the Nations League, Rúben Dias and Renato Veiga have been the usual pairing. Silva’s debut alongside Veiga could therefore be a decisive test for the future of the national team’s defence.

With the match scheduled for tomorrow in Cardiff, the pressure will be on the pair to deliver a solid performance. With recent history favouring a more robust defence, it is up to António Silva and Renato Veiga to prove they are ready for this challenge, keeping alive the hope of a victory that could be decisive for Portugal’s aspirations in the competition.