Eagles Face Formidable Portugal in Nations Cup Opener
By Grant FeeleyThe USA Eagles kick off their 2026 test schedule and inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup campaign this Saturday in Denver against Portugal, a side entering the match on a five-game winning streak and favored to win.
This fixture represents the first match of the newly established World Rugby Nations Cup, an initiative designed to provide more consistent high-level competition for tier two rugby nations. For the Eagles, it is their first test since November 2025.
Portugal, ranked 14th globally with 69.64 points, arrives in Denver as the reigning Rugby Europe champions and with significant momentum. Their 2026 campaign has seen them secure five consecutive victories, including notable wins over Georgia and Spain, according to Americas Rugby News.
In contrast, the 16th-ranked Eagles (68.26 points) concluded 2025 with mixed results, including a draw against Romania and losses to Georgia and Scotland. Their most recent victories were against Samoa and Japan in September 2025.
Eagles Lineup and Challenges
The USA Eagles will field a lineup featuring Jack Iscaro, Kapeli Pifeleti, and Tonga Kofe in the front row, with Jason Damm captaining the side from the lock position. The halves pairing sees Ruben de Haas at scrumhalf and Chris Hilsenbeck at flyhalf. The backline includes Dom Besag and Tavite Lopeti in the centers, flanked by wings Perry Mayo and Rufus McLean, with Mitch Wilson at fullback.
Head coach Scott Lawrence acknowledged the typical challenge of coordinating a squad drawn from various international clubs at the start of the July window. He noted that the team has been “diligent in their detail of the basics we are rapidly putting in place,” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the USA rugby community on such a significant national day.
Americas Rugby News highlights that while the Eagles possess a size advantage in the forwards, their set-piece has historically been an area of concern. Furthermore, new player combinations will require time to coalesce.
Os Lobos' Confident Form
Portugal's starting XV for the encounter sees Luís Lopes, Luke Begic, and António Prim in the front row, with José Madeira leading the team from the flank. Samuel Marques and Manuel Vareiro form the halfback pairing, while Tomás Appleton and Guilherme Vasconcelos are in the midfield.
Os Lobos, a more cohesive unit, are reportedly brimming with confidence following their successful spring campaign. They will also be seeking to avenge a loss to the Americans in November 2024, according to Americas Rugby News.
Their impressive winning streak includes a 19-17 victory over Georgia in Madrid and a dominant 47-17 win against Belgium. These results underscore their readiness and ambition for the Nations Cup opening fixture.
Match Conditions and Outlook
The match is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver, with a kickoff at 7:00 PM local time. The weather forecast predicts sunny conditions with a temperature of 84°F (29°C), and a light east wind of 7-10 mph, as reported by Americas Rugby News.
These conditions are unlikely to significantly favor either side. While the Eagles will benefit from home advantage, Portugal’s settled squad and recent form position them as favorites entering this crucial Nations Cup encounter.