A perfect record, a missing superstar and the world’s most lethal striker. This Portugal vs Norway preview has all the drama. The two sides meet again at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto on Sunday, October 4, 2026, just days after their first clash, and the stakes are high.
Portugal’s Perfect Run
Jorge Jesus’s team top Group 4 on nine points after three straight wins. João Félix has scored in all three matches under the new manager, and Gonçalo Ramos scored in the wins in Norway and Denmark. A victory could seal a quarter-final place with two games to spare.
The Ronaldo Question
The elephant in the room is Cristiano Ronaldo. He sat on the bench in Oslo, and he later left the squad after Jesus confirmed he would miss out on a starting place again. Jesus has said he will talk about Ronaldo after the game. Portugal have looked fine without him so far, but the story is far from over.
Norway: Wounded but Dangerous
Norway opened with a 3-2 win over Denmark but have since lost twice. They go into this match off a 2-1 defeat to Wales, and Portugal beat them on September 27. Centre-back Torbjorn Heggem is reportedly suspended after a red card in Cardiff, and Marcus Pedersen is the likely replacement.
But never write off Erling Haaland. He scored in Oslo, his 22nd Nations League goal, extending his own competition record. One half-chance is all he needs.
Key Battles to Watch
- Haaland vs Rúben Dias and Renato Veiga: If Portugal deny him service from wide, Norway have very little else.
- Rafael Leão vs Marcus Pedersen: This is the matchup Portugal are most likely to target early.
- Martin Ødegaard vs Vitinha and Rúben Neves: Portugal’s midfield must keep Norway’s creator from turning and running at them.
Portugal vs Norway Prediction
Portugal have the form, the home crowd and the depth. Norway have Haaland and little to lose. Sports Mole predicts 2-1 and RotoWire predicts 3-1 for Portugal. I’m going with Portugal 2-1 Norway, with Haaland scoring but not enough to save his side.
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