UEFA Nations League,
League A – 3
Denmark
IT
1/10/2026
7:45 p.m
Portugal
FOR
-
place
- Parking stadium
-
referee
- Mikola Balakin
Before Denmark-Portugal
Portugal visit Denmark in a UEFA Nations League game overshadowed by the drama surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo, Portugal’s top scorer, has not trained after being left out of the starting XI for Sunday’s 2-1 win over Norway.
The Al-Nassr star was replaced in the starting eleven by Goncalo Ramos and did not leave the bench to act as a substitute.
Ronaldo was visibly irritated and walked straight down the tunnel at the final whistle rather than join his team-mates as they celebrated a good win with the roving supporters.
Coach Jorge Jesus admitted he later told the 41-year-old he would come on at some point in the game, but denied that promise.
The fall has followed Portugal from Norway to Malmö, Sweden, where they have been training ahead of the trip to Copenhagen.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) explained that Ronaldo was on a specific training program and that the Eleda stadium did not have the necessary equipment. The FPF added that he would undergo a one-on-one session at the base of the team.
Jesus and Ronaldo were later reported to have spoken to resolve any differences, but it remains to be seen whether the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man will feature at Parken.
Amid the spotlight on Ronaldo, Portugal have a chance to make it three from three in their defense of the Nations League crown they won for a second time in 2025.
They will face a Denmark side who bounced back from their opening defeat to Norway with a routine 2-0 win over Wales.
While they don’t know if he will face Ronaldo from the start or if he will face Ronaldo, Denmark remain wary of the threat he poses as they aim to get past Portugal in Group D.
Center back Joachim Andersen said in a pre-match press conference: “He’s a player who reminds me a bit of (Erling) Haaland in a way, not the same speed, but the same aggression and danger in the box.
“He’s very good on the move. Maybe not as involved in the game as he used to be. But you just have to be alert at all times and be ready in the box, because that’s where he scores his goals and is most dangerous.”
Denmark beat Portugal 1-0 at Parken in the first leg of their 2025 Nations League quarter-final.
Despite losing the second leg 5-2, Andersen insists the first-leg result makes sense as they look to repeat the feat.
“Obviously, it gives us a bit of confidence. It gives us belief,” he added.
“I think it was one of our best games as well, a game I think we should have won 3-0. That’s something I hope we can come out and show we can do again.”
UEFA Nations League table
League A – Group D
-
position 1, 2: Play Offs: Quarter-finals
-
position 3: Relegation Playoffs
-
position 4: Descent
News of the Denmark-Portugal team
Patrick Dorgu left the Denmark national team after suffering a hamstring injury.
Far from the unknown surrounding Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes should return to Portugal after missing the Norway game.
Planned line-ups for Denmark-Portugal
Denmark: Jorgensen; Kristensen, Andersen, Provstgaard, Maehle; Wheelman, Hojbjerg; Isaksen, Damsgaard, Daramy; Hojlund
Portugal: coast; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Fernandes, J Neves; Felix, Ramos, Neto
Denmark v Portugal recent form and statistics
- Denmark have not lost at Parken since a 2-1 loss to Spain in March last year.
- However, they have won just four of their 17 games against Portugal (D2 L11).
- Only four of Portugal’s 11 wins against Denmark have come away from home.
- Portugal’s last win in Denmark was in a Euro 2016 qualifier in 2014, when Ronaldo scored the only goal in the 90th minute.
- This game has never ended without goals, with both ties ending 1-1.
- Portugal’s defeat at Parken is the only defeat they have suffered in their last 10 Nations League games.
Where to watch Denmark vs Portugal: TV broadcasts and online
Denmark-Portugal kicks off at 7.45pm UK time on Thursday. It will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video for the pay-per-view price of £2.49.
Prediction Denmark – Portugal
Regardless of whether Ronaldo plays, goals are to be expected in this one, and Denmark’s record at Parken suggests they have a good chance of ending Portugal’s perfect start.
Denmark
2-2
Portugal
Responsible gaming
Gambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are a number of organizations you can contact for free, confidential help.
Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and reality checks. These can be accessed through the Safer Bets section of your account at any time. Over 18s only. Please play responsibly.
