Norway vs Portugal – News and Probable Lineups

Coming off their opening victories in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, Norway and Portugal are set to face each other in a captivating match this Sunday evening.

Norway kicked off their League A Group 4 campaign with a narrow 3-2 win over Denmark, while Portugal began their tournament with a 1-0 triumph against Wales.

Match overview

Erling Haaland scored two goals to lead Norway to a 3-2 defeat of Denmark in their opening match of the 2026-27 Nations League on Thursday, leaving them at the top of the group heading into this fixture.

This marks Norway’s first appearance in League A of the Nations League, having earned promotion from League B during the 2024-25 season, and they are undoubtedly a team to keep an eye on in this tournament.

Stale Solbakken’s team performed admirably at the 2026 World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals before facing a 2-1 loss against England.

Norway boasts a solid record in the Nations League, winning 15 of their last 25 matches in the competition, having lost only six times, but this will certainly be a significant challenge.

In their previous 11 encounters with Portugal, the national side holds a record of one victory, two draws, and eight losses; Norway’s sole win against their Sunday rivals came in a European Championship qualifier back in September 2010.

The last encounter between these sides was a friendly match in May 2016, where Portugal secured a 3-0 win, and Portugal has prevailed in three of their last four matches across all competitions.

Portugal enters this match following a 1-0 victory over Wales, with Joao Felix netting the only goal of the game in the first half, placing the national team second in Group 4 with three points.

The Seleção das Quinas was eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup by the eventual champions Spain, but they are the reigning Nations League champions, having defeated Spain on penalties in the final of the 2024-25 tournament.

Portugal is historically the most successful team in the Nations League, with two titles to their name, having also won it in 2018-19, and they are once more deemed among the favorites.

The national squad is embarking on a new chapter under head coach Jorge Jesus, who has taken over from Roberto Martinez, and the experienced manager will be aiming for three more victories during this international window.

Norway Nations League form:

Norway form (all competitions):

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Portugal Nations League form:

Portugal form (all competitions):

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Team News

Norway will be without David Wolfe, who is suspended after being sent off in the second half of the match against Denmark.

Haaland scored two goals in the clash with Denmark, bringing his international goal tally to 64 in 56 appearances, and he will pose the primary threat to Portugal in this game.

There might be a change in the attacking line for Sunday; Oscar Bobb is likely to retain his place in the lineup, although Andreas Schjelderup could come in for Antonio Nusa.

Portugal’s head coach Jesus is expected to make an adjustment in his midfield for this match, with Joao Neves likely to replace Ruben Neves.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet outing against Wales, but it’s anticipated that the 41-year-old will remain in the starting XI as he looks to enhance his national goal tally, which stands at 146.

Joao Cancelo operated at right-back against Wales, and the Barcelona defender is expected to keep his position in the starting XI, while Renato Veiga should take his spot in central defence.

Norway probable starting XI:

Newland; Ryerson, Ajer, Lysaker Heggem, Aursnes; Odegaard, Berge, Berg; Bobb, Haaland, Schjelderup

Portugal probable starting XI:

Coast; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; J Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; NETO, Ronaldo, Felix

Haaland x Ronaldo?

Norway has firmly positioned itself as a robust international team, making this a highly anticipated fixture in the Nations League.

We find it challenging to back either side with strong confidence, and it’s likely both managers would accept a draw if offered before kickoff.