Portugal vs Norway – News and Probable Lineups

On Sunday night, Portugal will aim for their fourth consecutive victory in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League as they host Noruega at Estadio do Dragao.

Currently, Jorge Jesus’ team leads Group 4 of League A with nine points from three fixtures, while Noruega sits in third place with three points.

Match overview

Portugal has shown strong performances in the 2026-27 Nations League, maintaining an unbeaten run so far, with Miguel’s side at the top of Group 4 of League A, having secured nine points from three back-to-back wins.

The Iberian team began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over País de Gales, followed by a 2-1 triumph against Noruega just three days later, bringing their points tally to six.

More recently, Portugal claimed a 4-2 win against Dinamarca, even after Cristiano Ronaldo left the squad due to a disagreement with Coach Jesus; it now seems quite improbable that Ronaldo will play for his nation again.

Selecao das Quinas are the defending champions of the Nations League, having defeated Espanha in the final on penalties during the 2024-25 tournament, making them the most decorated side in the competition’s history with two titles to their name; a potential third trophy is within reach.

Historically, Portugal has lost only once in their last 12 encounters against Noruega and have won their last three meetings, including a 2-1 victory in the previous fixture in the Nations League at the end of September.

For their part, Noruega will come into the match on the back of a 2-1 loss to País de Gales and will look to bounce back from two consecutive defeats, having also fallen to Portugal on September 27.

The national team commenced their 2026-27 Nations League journey with a 3-2 victory over Dinamarca, but their subsequent consecutive losses have put them in a precarious position.

Stale Solbakken’s men currently occupy third place in Group 4 of League A, accumulating three points, which puts them level with Dinamarca but six points behind the leaders, Portugal.

Noruega will play País de Gales and Dinamarca in their November fixtures, and securing a positive result in this match could enhance their confidence ahead of those matches.

The Red, White, and Blues are participating in League A of the Nations League for the first time, having gained promotion from League B during the 2024-25 season, and left a mark at the 2026 World Cup by reaching the quarter-finals.

Team News

As noted, Portugal will not have Ronaldo available, as the experienced forward chose to depart the camp after Coach Jesus’ comments prior to the match against Dinamarca.

Goncalo Ramos has found the back of the net in his last two caps for Portugal and is likely to keep his position in the attacking line for the game against Noruega on Sunday evening.

Bruno Fernandes performed admirably against Dinamarca after overcoming an injury scare and is expected to retain his place, although there may be a few adjustments from the last match, with Joao Neves and Joao Felix possibly making the lineup.

Francisco Conceicao (thigh) will need to be evaluated before a final decision regarding his availability is made.

Conversely, Noruega will be without Torbjorn Lysker Heggem due to suspension, as he was sent off in their defeat to País de Gales last time out.

This could open a spot in central defense for Marcus Pedersen.

Erling Haaland struggled to leave an impression against País de Gales but will once again take up a central position; there may be further modifications from the previous match, with Thelo Aasgaard and Antonio Nusa potentially being included.

Portugal probable starting XI:

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

Noruega probable starting XI:

Newland; Ryerson, Ajer, Pedersen, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Aasgaard; Bobb, Haaland, Nusa

Noruega will seek to recover from their disappointing performance against País de Gales, and while we anticipate an improved effort, Portugal is still expected to secure all three points in this fixture.