Portugal begin life without Cristiano Ronaldo as they take on Denmark in the Nations League.
Ronaldo sensationally left the squad this week after a fall out with coach Jorge Jesus, seemingly bringing an end to his storied international career.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has scored an incredible 146 goals in 234 caps for his country but was left out of the 2-1 win over Norway.
Ronaldo failed to train on Monday and Tuesday, prompting showdown talks with Jesus and Portugal Football Association (FPF) president Pedro Proença.
Before he departed Copenhagen on his private jet, Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: “After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp.
“In due course, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I always dedicated myself.
“Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my team-mates good luck, without exception.”
Denmark team news
Patrick Dorgu dropped out of the Denmark squad after suffering a hamstring injury while Rasmus Hojlund leads the line in attack.
Denmark: Hermansen; Kristensen, Andersen, Provstgaard, Mæhle; Højbjerg, Hjulmand; Daghim, Damsgaard, Daramy; Højlund.
Portugal team news
Away from the unknown surrounding Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes returns for Portugal after missing the Norway game as Nuno Mendes starts at left-back.
Former Milan winger Rafael Leao starts in Ronaldo’s number seven shirt in a strong looking attack while Manchester City defender Ruben Dias skippers the side.
Portugal: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; R. Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Ramos, Leão.
UEFA Nations League 2026
World
League A – Group D
| # | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Last 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Portugal |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
W
W
|
| 2 |
Norway |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
L
W
|
| 3 |
Denmark |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
W
L
|
| 4 |
Wales |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
L
L
|
- Position 1, 2 : Play Offs: Quarter-finals
- Position 3 : Relegation Playoffs
- Position 4 : Relegation
Where to Watch Denmark v Portugal: TV and online streams
Denmark v 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.
You Should Also Read
