Norway v Portugal: Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo headline Nations League clash

Norway and Portugal meet on Sunday with both sides having won their opening matches in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League.

Norway began Group 4 of League A with a 3-2 victory over Denmark, while Portugal edged past Wales 1-0. Norway lead the group on goal difference, with Portugal second on three points.

Erling Haaland scored twice against Denmark and has now reached 64 goals in 56 international appearances. He is expected to pose the biggest threat to Portugal, with the main betting selections backing both teams to score and more than 2.5 goals at 1.54, Haaland to score at 1.90 and Bruno Fernandes to be decisive at 1.90.

This is Norway’s first campaign in League A after promotion from League B in 2024-25. Stale Solbakken’s side also impressed at the 2026 World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals before losing 2-1 to England.

Norway have won 15 of their 25 Nations League matches and lost only six, although Portugal will provide a significant test. The teams have met 11 times, with Norway winning once, drawing twice and losing eight times. Their only victory came in a European Championship qualifier in September 2010.

Portugal won the most recent meeting 3-0 in a friendly in May 2016 and have won three of their past four matches in all competitions.

Portugal aim to build on Wales win

Portugal made a winning start when Joao Felix scored the only goal against Wales in the first half. The Selecao das Quinas were knocked out by eventual champions Spain in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, but remain holders of the Nations League after beating Spain on penalties in the 2024-25 final.

They are the competition’s most successful team, with two titles, having also won the inaugural 2018-19 edition. Portugal have entered a new era under Jorge Jesus, who replaced Roberto Martinez, and the manager is targeting three more victories during this international break.

Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to make a decisive impact against Wales, but the 41-year-old is expected to retain his place as he looks to add to his 146 international goals. Joao Cancelo should continue at right-back after starting the previous match, while Renato Veiga is expected to partner the defence.

David Wolfe is suspended for Norway after being sent off in the second half against Denmark. Oscar Bobb is likely to keep his place, although Andreas Schjelderup could replace Antonio Nusa in the forward line.

Joao Neves is expected to come into Portugal’s midfield for Ruben Neves.

Probable Norway XI: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Lysaker Heggem, Aursnes; Ødegaard, Berge, Berg; Bobb, Haaland, Schjelderup.

Probable Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; J. Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Ronaldo, Felix.

Norway’s recent form in the Nations League is V, while their overall form is V, D, V, V, D, V. Portugal’s corresponding records are V and N, V, N, V, D, V.

With both coaches likely to accept a draw before kick-off, choosing a winner is difficult in what promises to be an intriguing contest.