Portugal beat Norway to reach Nations League quarter-finals
Portugal are into the Nations League quarter-finals after a 2-1 home win over Norway in Porto on 4 October 2026.
It was a night of high tension at the Estádio do Dragão. Norway struck first through Kristoffer Ajer in the 36th minute. Portugal hit back almost at once, João Cancelo equalising two minutes later, before Gonçalo Ramos grabbed the winner 11 minutes from time, according to The Guardian.
The win sealed a top-two finish in Group A4. Portugal now sit six points clear of second-placed Denmark with the March quarter-finals secured. The Nations League, European football’s biennial international tournament played between World Cups and Euros, sends its group winners and runners-up into those knockout ties.
There was late drama at both ends. Erling Haaland, Norway’s star striker, limped off. Then Portugal substitute Francisco Conceição was sent off four minutes from time. Norway held on with ten men facing ten, but could not find an equaliser.
Portugal did it without Cristiano Ronaldo. He left the squad last week after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. Jesus said after the Norway game that Ronaldo can return to the national team if he wants.
What makes this stand out is the timing. Portugal had already won 4-2 away to Denmark on 1 October, in a wild game tracked live by The Guardian. Denmark answered on 4 October with a 1-0 win at Wales. That leaves the group finely balanced behind Portugal, with Denmark holding second place.
Norway arrived in Porto on a difficult run. They had lost 2-1 at home to Wales on 1 October. It has been a year of contrast for them, after reaching the knockout stage on their first World Cup appearance in 28 years last summer.
Elsewhere in the top tier, the Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 in Eindhoven to go top of Group A2 on goal difference. Virgil van Dijk marked his 100th Netherlands cap in that game. Greece and Germany drew 0-0 in Thessaloniki, a result that leaves Germany with only one win from their first four games under coach Jürgen Klopp.
Lower down the ladder, there were tight, hard-fought wins. Austria drew 1-1 in Kosovo but still lead Group B3 by three points. Azerbaijan beat Lithuania 1-0 to go top of Group D2. Malta beat Andorra 1-0 at home, substitute Teddy Teuma with the goal.
There was also a quiet game with a loud backstory. The Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Israel behind closed doors in Backa Topola. Ireland’s previous game on 1 October had been interrupted by Palestine protests.
For fans, this means clarity at the top and clutter everywhere else. Portugal can plan for March. Just about everyone else in their group is still fighting for second.
