Portugal seek fourth straight Nations League win against Norway

Portugal will aim to make it four consecutive victories in the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 when they host Norway at Estadio do Dragao on Sunday evening.

Jorge Jesus’ side lead Group 4 of League A with nine points from three matches. Norway are third on three points, level with Denmark, who are second and six points behind the undefeated group leaders.

Portugal have won every game so far, beginning with a 1-0 victory over Wales before beating Norway 2-1 in Oslo. They then claimed a 4-2 success against Denmark in their most recent fixture.

The reigning champions, who defeated Spain on penalties in the 2024-25 final, are the most successful team in the competition’s history with two titles. A third triumph remains a realistic target, while Portugal have lost only one of their 12 previous meetings with Norway and have won the past three, including their victory at the end of September.

Norway opened their campaign with a 3-2 win over Denmark but have since lost to Portugal and Wales. Stale Solbakken’s team were beaten 2-1 by Wales last time out and will be seeking to avoid a third successive defeat.

This is Norway’s first season in League A after promotion from League B in 2024-25. They also impressed by reaching the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Their next Nations League fixtures are against Wales and Denmark in November, making a positive result in Porto important for their confidence.

Portugal’s Nations League form is V-V-V, while Norway’s is V-D-D.

Team news

Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature for Portugal after leaving the squad following a disagreement with Jorge Jesus. The veteran had remained on the bench throughout the previous match, and it is now considered highly unlikely that he will play for his country again.

Goncalo Ramos, who has scored in two successive matches, is expected to continue as the central striker. Bruno Fernandes should start after recovering from a minor fitness concern and producing an excellent performance against Denmark. Joao Neves and Joao Felix could come into the starting XI, while Francisco Conceicao’s thigh will be assessed before a final decision is made.

Norway will be without Torbjørn Heggem, who is suspended after being sent off against Wales. Marcus Pedersen is expected to replace him in central defence. Erling Haaland, who scored against Portugal in September but struggled to make an impact against Wales, will lead the attack. Thelo Aasgaard and Antonio Nusa are also possible starters.

Probable teams

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

Norway: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Pedersen, Wolfe; Ødegaard, Berge, Aasgaard; Bobb, Haaland, Nusa.

Norway will be expected to respond to their disappointing display against Wales, but Portugal’s confidence and home advantage should help them secure another three points.

The suggested exact score is Portugal 2-1 Norway, with odds of 7.50 on Betclic. Other listed selections are Portugal to win at 1.58, both teams to score at 1.48 and Goncalo Ramos to score at 2.00.