Norway are competing in League A of the Nations League for the first time, having secured promotion from League B in 2024-25. This time, a resilient Norway side, fresh from a World Cup quarter-final run, returns to action to face a Portugal side preparing to defend their Nations League crown.
It's UEFA Nations League action on Sunday, September 27, as Portugal lock horns with a Norway side sitting top of League A Group 4. Selecao das Quinas boss Jorge Jesus will be aiming to add three more wins this international break after replacing Roberto Martinez at the helm.
Team Form
Norway: Won 15 of their previous 25 Nations League matches, losing only six times.
Portugal: The most successful side in tournament history, boasting two Nations League titles.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
The last meeting between Norway and Portugal was in May 2016, and it ended in a 3-0 victory for Portugal.
Norway has tackled Portugal on 11 previous occasions, boasting a record of one win, two draws, and eight defeats.
Norway's only success over Sunday's opponents, a 1-0 win, came in a European Championship qualification fixture back in September 2010.
Erling Haaland was clinical against Denmark, netting two goals to take his international tally to 64 in 56 caps.
This match serves as a crucial Group 4 test after both nations opened the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League with wins.
What to Expect From Both Teams
Norway | Form: WLWWLW
Stale Solbakken's side enters this clash with immense confidence, looking to stay top of League A Group 4 after a 3-2 opening win over Denmark.
With a squad featuring creative sparks like Martin Odegaard and clinical finishers like Erling Haaland, they provide a stern test for any visiting nation.
Despite the absence of the suspended David Wolfe, sent off against Denmark, Norway still boast experienced heads ready for this major test against the reigning champions.
Portugal | Form: DWDWLW
Jorge Jesus's men are looking to follow a 1-0 success over Wales, with Joao Felix scoring the only goal of the contest in the first period.
Despite a last-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup to eventual winners Spain, the Selecao das Quinas still boast experienced heads like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.
With a new era under Jesus underway, and Portugal second in Group 4 on three points, finding rhythm in this title defence is a top priority for the technical bench.
Predicted Lineups
Norway (possible):
Nyland, Ryerson, Ajer, Lysaker, Heggem, Aursnes, Ødegaard, Berge, Berg, Bobb, Haaland, Schjelderup.
Portugal (possible):
Costa, Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes, J. Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes, Neto, Ronaldo, Felix.
Matchups & Players to Watch
Erling Haaland: The Norwegian striker scored a brace against Denmark and will be the main danger to Portugal in this contest.
Cristiano Ronaldo: The 41-year-old struggled to make his mark against Wales, but it is expected that he will continue in the XI as he aims to add to his 146 international goals.
Andreas Schjelderup: The attacker could replace Antonio Nusa, with Oscar Bobb likely to retain his position in the final third.
Joao Neves: Jesus is likely to make a change to his midfield, with Neves expected to be introduced in place of Ruben Neves.
Odds Market on MSport
Norway/Home to win = 2.58
Portugal/Away to win = 2.74
Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.46
Over 2.5 total goals = 1.52
This clash presents a classic clash of momentum: a Norway side top of Group 4 faces a Portugal team desperate to defend their Nations League crown.
With both teams using this as a vital test after opening wins, Sunday night is set for a compelling international clash.