PORTO — Portugal return to the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday with the Nations League table within reach, but the evening in Porto is likely to carry an uneasy undertone after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national camp earlier this week.
Jorge Jesus’s side face Norway on 4 October, with kick-off scheduled for 15:45 Brasília time. Portugal have won each of their first three UEFA Nations League matches and can wrap up top place in Group A4 ahead of schedule if they beat Norway and Wales draw with Denmark in the section’s other fixture.
The host nation’s form has been overshadowed by the rupture involving Ronaldo, who left the Portugal squad on Wednesday after becoming dissatisfied with his place among the substitutes. Attention will now turn to how the Porto crowd responds to Jesus and to a team preparing for a significant group-stage night without its most prominent figure at the centre of the camp.
Jesus asks Porto to back the badge
Speaking on Saturday, Jesus sought to steer discussion away from Ronaldo and towards the collective. The Portugal coach said the support he wanted was for the squad rather than for himself.
“The affection I look for is directed at the team, not specifically at me,” Jesus said. “I lead a team and I am part of one. Before becoming a coach, I was a supporter of the national side. I did not look at the coach or the players; I looked at my flag.”
Portugal’s projected side still included Ronaldo in the expected forward line, alongside Pedro Neto and João Félix, despite the reported dispute and his exit from the squad.
Norway arrive with Haaland’s threat
Norway opened their Nations League campaign with a 3-2 home victory over Denmark, but their early momentum disappeared with defeats to Portugal in Oslo and Wales in Cardiff. The Nordic side, World Cup quarter-finalists, will look to Erling Haaland’s finishing power as they attempt to interrupt Portugal’s perfect start.
Ståle Solbakken’s expected selection features Martin Ødegaard in midfield behind a front three of Oscar Bobb, Haaland and Andreas Schjelderup. Portugal, meanwhile, are set to rely on the control of Vitinha, João Neves and Bruno Fernandes in the centre of the pitch.
Match details
- Match: Portugal v Norway
- Date: Sunday, 4 October 2026
- Kick-off: 15:45 Brasília time
- Venue: Estádio do Dragão, Porto
- Referee: Maurizio Mariani, Italy
- Broadcast: Sportv
Expected line-ups
Portugal: Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix. Coach: Jorge Jesus.
Norway: Ørjan Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Lysaker Heggem, Fredrik Aursnes; Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg; Oscar Bobb, Erling Haaland, Andreas Schjelderup. Coach: Ståle Solbakken.
