| Portugal vs Norway | |
| MATCH | Nations League |
| DATE | 05 - 10 - 2026 |
| TIME | 12.15 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Stadium |
Norway vs Portugal Match Preview: Team News, Form and Key Details
Norway will look to continue their impressive start to the Nations League when they face Portugal in their next Group 4 fixture. Erling Haaland was the standout performer in Norway’s opening match, scoring twice in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Denmark.
The result placed Norway at the top of the group and provided an ideal start to their first campaign in League A of the UEFA Nations League. Norway earned promotion from League B during the 2024-25 campaign and will now be aiming to establish themselves among Europe’s top international teams.
Ståle Solbakken’s side have also enjoyed significant progress on the international stage. Norway reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where their campaign eventually ended with a 2-1 defeat to England.
Their Nations League record has also been impressive, with Norway winning 15 of their previous 25 matches and suffering only six defeats.
However, Portugal have historically had the upper hand in this fixture. The two nations have met 11 times, with Norway winning once, drawing twice and losing eight times. Norway's only victory came in a European Championship qualifier in September 2010.
The most recent meeting between the countries was a friendly in May 2016, when Portugal recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Portugal Looking to Continue Winning Run
Portugal also began their Nations League campaign with three points after defeating Wales 1-0. João Félix scored the only goal of the match in the first half to give Portugal a winning start.
The result placed Portugal second in Group 4 and extended their strong recent record, with three victories in their last four matches.
Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, but they remain the reigning UEFA Nations League champions after defeating Spain on penalties in the 2024-25 final.
Portugal have now won the Nations League twice, having also lifted the inaugural trophy in the 2018-19 edition. They will therefore enter the latest campaign with ambitions of successfully defending their title.
The team is also beginning a new era under head coach Jorge Jesus, who took charge following Roberto Martínez's departure after the 2026 World Cup.
Norway Team News
Norway will be without David Wolfe, who is suspended after receiving a red card during the victory over Denmark.
Erling Haaland will once again be the focal point of Norway's attack. His two goals against Denmark further highlighted his remarkable international scoring record and the threat he poses to Portugal's defence.
Oscar Bobb is expected to retain his place in the starting XI, although Andreas Schjelderup could come into contention if Antonio Nusa is left out.
Norway will need to find ways to provide Haaland with service while also dealing with Portugal's ability to control possession.
Portugal Team News
Portugal could make a change in midfield, with João Neves expected to come into the starting lineup in place of Rúben Neves.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to continue leading the attack. The veteran forward did not make a major impact against Wales but remains Portugal's most prolific international goalscorer and one of the biggest threats Norway will have to contain.
João Cancelo is expected to retain his position at right-back after starting against Wales, while Renato Veiga could also feature in central defence.
Key Players
Erling Haaland – Norway
Haaland will be Norway's biggest attacking threat. The Manchester City striker demonstrated his clinical finishing against Denmark, scoring twice to secure three points.
His combination of pace, physical strength and movement inside the penalty area will present a major challenge for Portugal's defenders.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of Portugal's most important attacking figures. Even when he is not heavily involved in the game, his movement and finishing ability can change a match in an instant.
Norway will need to limit the space available to Ronaldo around the penalty area and avoid giving him clear scoring opportunities.
Norway vs Portugal: What to Expect
This fixture promises an intriguing contest between Norway's emerging generation and Portugal's experienced squad.
Norway will enter the match with confidence after their impressive victory over Denmark, while Haaland's form gives them a genuine threat in the final third.
Portugal, meanwhile, will look to dominate possession and use their technical quality to control the tempo. With the reigning Nations League champions also beginning their campaign with a victory, another three points would strengthen their position near the top of the group.
The historical head-to-head record clearly favours Portugal, but Norway's recent development means they should not be underestimated.
With both teams already having three points on the board, the result could prove crucial in shaping the early Group 4 standings.