Portugal will take on Norway in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday, October 4, at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto. The match, scheduled for 20:45 local time (18:45 GMT), is part of Group A4 of the 2026‑27 edition. A notable storyline is the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the Portuguese camp late on Wednesday after being omitted from the starting eleven for a second consecutive game.
Ronaldo’s unexpected departure
Following a pre‑match press conference in which coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the five‑time Ballon d’Or winner would not start, the 41‑year‑old striker walked out of the squad. Ronaldo had been slated to train with his teammates at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium but chose instead to return to Portugal. In an Instagram post, he promised to explain his reasons to the Portuguese public at a later date, describing his exit as a personal decision.
According to Spanish daily Marca, both Jesus and Portuguese federation president Pedro Proença travelled to Copenhagen Airport in an attempt to persuade Ronaldo to stay, but the player boarded his private jet and left. Jesus, who was appointed in July, later insisted there was no rift, though he acknowledged that Ronaldo was disappointed to remain on the bench against Norway.
Ronaldo, Portugal’s all‑time leading scorer with 146 goals, had spent the entire 2‑1 Nations League win in Norway last weekend on the bench. He had captained the side in a 1‑0 victory over Wales the previous Thursday. His sudden exit adds a new layer of intrigue to a team that has so far maintained a perfect record in the competition.
Portugal and Norway’s paths in the Nations League
Portugal sit atop Group A4 with nine points from three wins. Their campaign began with a 1‑0 home win over Wales, followed by a 2‑1 victory in Oslo against Norway, and a 4‑2 triumph over Denmark in Copenhagen. The Selecao are chasing a third consecutive Nations League title, a record‑extending achievement.
Norway, by contrast, occupy the second‑bottom slot with three points. Their opening match produced a 3‑2 home win over Denmark, but they then suffered 2‑1 defeats both at home to Portugal and away to Wales in Cardiff. The Norwegians have only one win in the group, but their squad includes Erling Haaland, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards.
Historically, the two nations have met 12 times, with Portugal winning nine, Norway one and two draws. Their most recent encounter in the current Nations League cycle was the 2‑1 win for Portugal in Oslo, where João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos scored for the Portuguese side and Haaland added a consolation goal for Norway.
Form guides show Portugal on a run of four wins and one loss in their last five games, while Norway have recorded two wins, two losses and one draw in the same span.
Players to watch and probable line‑ups
For Portugal, João Félix has become a reliable scorer, finding the net in each of the three matches so far. Gonçalo Ramos, who has stepped in for Ronaldo, has also contributed goals in the last two fixtures. The Portuguese XI is expected to feature Diogo Costa in goal; a back four of João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga and Nuno Mendes; midfielders Rúben Neves and Vitinha; and an attacking line of Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão and Ramos. Winger Francisco Conceição is listed as doubtful because of a thigh injury.
Norway’s attack will revolve around Erling Haaland, who has already scored three of the nation’s four goals in the competition, and Oscar Bobb, who has added two. Their probable starting eleven includes goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland; a defensive line of Julian Ryerson (who is doubtful with a muscle injury), Kristoffer Ajer, Leo Østigård and David Møller Wolfe; midfielders Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge and Patrick Berg; and a forward trio of Bobb, Haaland and Antonio Nusa. Centre‑back Torbjørn Heggem is suspended for the match.
Both teams have a clear broadcast plan. In Portugal the game will be shown on Sport TV Portugal, while Norwegian viewers can watch via TV2 PLAY. Prime Video UK will carry the match in the United Kingdom, FOX Sports, FuboTV and ViX in the United States, Sony Sports Network in India, beIN SPORTS across the Middle East and North Africa, and DStv Stream in South Africa. UEFA’s official broadcaster list provides additional regional options.
Al Jazeera Sport will provide live updates starting at 15:45 GMT, offering a build‑up to the kickoff. Fans can also follow the action through various streaming services listed above.
The match promises a tactical battle: Portugal will look to preserve their unbeaten run without their iconic captain, relying on the creativity of Félix and the finishing of Ramos. Norway will aim to exploit the space left by Ronaldo’s absence, with Haaland’s physical presence and clinical edge posing a constant threat. The outcome could have significant implications for the group standings, as Portugal seeks to secure the top spot and Norway hopes to climb out of the relegation zone.
With the drama surrounding Ronaldo’s departure and Haaland’s hunger for goals, the Sunday fixture is set to be a compelling chapter in the 2026‑27 Nations League narrative.
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