Portugal Faces Norway in UEFA Nations League Clash Amid Cristiano Ronaldo's Sudden Departure

Portugal are set to play their second 2026-27 Nations League match without Cristiano Ronaldo. The upcoming Group A4 match of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 takes place at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, Portugal, on Sunday, October 4, at 8:45pm local time (18:45 GMT). Al Jazeera Sport will bring you all the build-up and live updates from 15:45 GMT.

For the second time in a week, Portugal and Norway clash in the UEFA Nations League. However, things are not quite the same in the Selecao camp as the title holders play without their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, after the 41-year-old abruptly left their camp, raising questions about his international future.

Ronaldo's dramatic exit and apparent rift with new coach Jorge Jesus have dominated headlines worldwide. Portuguese players have largely blocked the outside noise, maintaining a perfect record at the tournament where they are chasing a record-extending third crown. Opponents Norway have won just one match, despite boasting a talented side that defied expectations with a historic quarterfinal finish at this year's FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, striker Erling Haaland poses enough danger to put Portugal under pressure ahead of this weekend's thrilling encounter.

What is the latest news on Cristiano Ronaldo?

Ronaldo left the squad late on Wednesday, shortly after a news conference in which coach Jesus confirmed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would be left out of his starting line-up for a second consecutive Nations League game. The 41-year-old's decision to walk out came as a shock as he had been due to train with his teammates at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.

Portugal's leading scorer with 146 goals had already spent the entirety of last weekend's 2-1 Nations League win in Norway on the bench, having captained the side in the 1-0 home victory over Wales last Thursday. In a cryptic Instagram post, Ronaldo stated he would soon tell the truth about his reasons for leaving.

Spanish sports daily Marca reported that Jesus and Portuguese federation president Pedro Proenca followed Ronaldo to Copenhagen airport to persuade him to stay before he boarded his private jet. Jesus insisted earlier on Wednesday that there was no rift between them, although he acknowledged that his captain was disappointed to remain on the bench against Norway.

How have Portugal and Norway played in the Nations League?

Portugal are on top of Group A4 on nine points, with three wins out of three, following a 1-0 win over Wales, a 2-1 victory over Norway, and a 4-2 win against Denmark in Copenhagen. Norway are second-bottom in the group with three points, having beaten Denmark 3-2 before suffering defeats against Portugal and Wales.

Team news and predicted lineups

Portugal winger Francisco Conceicao is doubtful due to a thigh injury. Probable Portugal XI features Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, and Goncalo Ramos.

For Norway, wing-back Julian Ryerson is doubtful with a muscle injury, while centre-back Torbjorn Heggem is suspended. Probable Norway XI features Orjan Nyland, Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe, Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Oscar Bobb, Erling Haaland, and Antonio Nusa.