Portugal’s Under-17 football team secured a late draw against Wales on Saturday, a result that complicates their direct qualification hopes for the 2026 European Championship ahead of a crucial match against group leaders Slovenia.
The 1-1 tie in the first qualification round leaves Portugal in second place in Group 12 with four points. Slovenia leads the group with six points after beating Liechtenstein 5-0.
The decisive group stage match between Portugal and Slovenia is scheduled for Tuesday.
The game against Wales, played at a stadium in Faro, was delayed for several hours due to adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Claudia.
Portugal took the lead in the 68th minute through Anderson Semedo. However, Wales equalized in the 83rd minute with a goal from Axel Donzew.
Adding to Portugal’s challenges, Semedo, the goal-scorer, was sent off in the 90th minute after receiving his second yellow card of the match.
The young Portuguese side had previously dominated Liechtenstein, winning their opening group match 10-0.
The first half of the Wales game ended scoreless despite both teams creating scoring opportunities.
Fifty-four national teams are competing in this qualification stage, divided into 14 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the best third-placed team overall, will advance to the second qualification round.