Portugal was the only team in the top 10 to climb spots this international window. Now, Portugal is ranked fifth in the FIFA ranking, surpassing the likes of Brazil and Morocco. Now Portugal is a top five team in the world.

So, Portugal might have had quite a fiery window, as Cristiano Ronaldo explained all the details in an extensive statement that included an apology, but the results couldn’t have been better on the field.

Portugal’s results in the international window

The UEFA Nations League rolled around to bring four games for the Nations League. It was perfect for Portugal in terms of results. While the Cristiano Ronaldo saga was a huge piece of news, it wasn’t a distraction for the team as four vital games were played.

• Portugal 1-0 Wales, September 24
• Norway 1-2 Portugal, September 27
• Denmark 2-4 Portugal, October 1
• Portugal 2-1 Norway, October 4

When are Portugal’s next games?

Now that club soccer is back, another big wait will happen until we see the ‘Lusitanos‘ once again. Portugal is 117,9 points below England on the FIFA ranking. Hence, it’s impossible for the team to overcome the Three Lions. Still, it could help it maintain the ‘top 5 status‘. To see that, we’ll have to wait until November.

• Portugal vs Denmark, November 14
• Wales vs Portugal, November 17

Key takeaways

• Portugal climbed to fifth in the FIFA rankings, making them the only top-10 team to rise.
• Cristiano Ronaldo issued an apology and an extensive statement explaining his squad departure.
• The national team returns to UEFA Nations League action against Denmark on November 14.

Messi finished with 126 international goals for Argentina, capped off with a goal against Benin. He is the team’s top scorer by a mile. Messi played for more than 20 years with the ‘Albiceleste‘. Messi‘s legacy is untouched.

As for Cristiano Ronaldo, he has scored 146 international goals for Portugal. Ronaldo is notoriously the player with the most goals in international soccer of all time. Even with Messi’s stratospheric numbers for Argentina, the Portuguese is ahead. Given how he hasn’t retired from the international scene, he can still add to his tally.

Messi and Ronaldo’s goals in depth

Not only are the quantity of goals other-worldly, but the averages too. That is arguably more impressive. When looking at a ‘per-game perspective‘, there is not an argument that these two are the best ever at the international soccer scene.

Argentina and Portugal are set for future success

While Argentina will have to do without Messi, whose age by the 2030 World Cup indicates he might not even be playing, the bases are very strong. Argentina has some good foundations to keep competing for all titles.

Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo still as he ended his international retirement, but thinking he’ll be playing all the way to the next World Cup is a stretch. Still, the new generation and talent will be there ready to defy the odds once again.

While Messi’s impact transformed Argentina into a modern trophy factory, Ronaldo reshaped the narrative around Portugal, establishing the country as a perennial contender across European and international competitions.

As both superstars enter the final chapters of their storied careers, evaluating their respective international legacies offers a clear view into their unprecedented impact on the global game, as Messi is set to play his farewell matchup with Argentina against Benin.

Messi and Ronaldo: Divergent paths to international glory

Ronaldo made his senior international debut for Portugal in 2003 against Kazakhstan, followed by Messi’s Argentina debut two years later in 2005 against Hungary in Budapest. Since then, both icons have become their countries’ all-time leading goalscorers and the focal points of golden generations that ended decades-long trophy droughts.

Here is how their head-to-head international statistics stack up:

In terms of silverware, Messi edges out Ronaldo on the international stage, though both successfully snapped long-standing continental trophy droughts that had haunted their national teams for generations.

Tournament performance and world records

Both players have defined a generation through unmatched consistency and big-game production. Their numbers in flagship international tournaments underscore their historical dominance on the world stage.

At the FIFA World Cup, Messi has registered 26 appearances, 13 goals, and 8 assists, earning the Golden Ball in 2014 before leading Argentina to the title in 2022 (where he won a second Golden Ball). Ronaldo, meanwhile, holds 22 appearances, 8 goals, and 2 assists, making history as the first player to score in five different World Cup tournaments.

Their dominance extends to continental play as well. In the Copa America, Messi has tallied 39 appearances, 14 goals, and 18 assists while lifting two titles (2021, 2024) and earning Player of the Tournament honors in 2021. In European Championship action, Ronaldo stands as the UEFA Euro all-time top scorer, recording 30 appearances, 14 goals, and 8 assists while captaining Portugal to the Euro 2016 crown.

Key takeaways

• Lionel Messi registered 60 international assists compared to 36 by his rival.
• Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score across five World Cup tournaments.
• The captain won the 2022 World Cup Golden Ball while leading Argentina to gold.

Throughout his statement, Ronaldo shined a light on Jesus’ entire stint as Portugal manager and how the relationship progressively spiraled out of control until this recent point of no return. Cristiano pulled no punches in the lengthy statement, so it remains to be seen how Jorge Jesus reacts.

Not too long ago, after Ronaldo didn’t play against Norway at home, Portugal’s head coach called the entire situation with Ronaldo “a misunderstanding.” Clearly, it’s much bigger than a simple confusion between the two parties.

Caught up in the middle of this “he said, she said” drama is the Portuguese national team. Still, Ronaldo made it clear he doesn’t plan to retire from the national team—not like this. Whether Cristiano will be back with Jesus still in charge, or if the two can no longer work together, remains to be seen.

Ronaldo apologizes to fans and teammates

Throughout his extensive public statement, Cristiano had enough time and characters to touch on virtually every topic he thought needed addressing. On that note, Ronaldo sent sincere apologies to his teammates, fans, and fellow countrymen.

“At the end of the game, I just wanted everything to end with the victory and to be alone. I did not go over to greet the fans. That was entirely my responsibility and should not have happened,” Ronaldo acknowledged. “I apologize to the Portuguese people who supported us so intensely there, I apologize to the fans, and I apologize to those who, despite not being Portuguese, may have traveled there to see me and whom I may have disappointed.

“I also owe an apology to my national-team teammates for leaving the training camp,” Cristiano added. “Despite the absolute breach of trust in the manager’s word, as anyone who witnessed these conversations can attest, I should not have done it. The responsibility is exclusively mine.“

Broken relationship

As if the roughly 2,000-word, 10,600-character statement wasn’t a strong indicator in itself, Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus have burned their bridge down to ashes. There aren’t many words in the dictionary that Cristiano didn’t use in his statement.

However, there are two names he never mentioned—not once—even though his entire message is aimed at one of them. Jorge Jesus was named a grand total of zero (0) times in Ronaldo’s statement, which highlights the broken relationship that may never recover.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s full statement

“As I promised, I decided to explain, in the first person and directly, the circumstances surrounding the latest chapter involving the national team,” Ronaldo’s statement reads, via B24.

After the 2026 World Cup, I prepared a letter to the Portuguese people, which I still have, with the words I want to address to them when I definitively leave our team.

At the end of the competition, on the flight back from the United States, the President of the Federation asked and insisted that I reconsider my decision to leave because the FPF wanted me to continue.

He then asked me for my opinion on the name of the current national team manager, whom he was considering alongside other names he did not reveal to me.

I told the President of the Federation that, in my opinion, he would be the right choice.

That is why, on the day the current national team manager was presented, I was genuinely happy with the choice. It was the right option, as the results are proving.

A few days later, I received an initial contact from the new national team manager saying that he would like to meet with me in person. I agreed, and we scheduled the meeting for the end of my holiday.

We met at Cidade do Futebol, where my club was holding its pre-season training camp.

That day, the manager told me that he was counting on me and that my presence was fundamental to his project. He presented me with a plan for my participation right there. He said I would play the first game and the last one and that, for physical-management reasons, he would always make three or four changes per game.

At that point, he suggested that I might not travel with the national team to Norway and Denmark. He proposed that I play the first game and remain in Portugal, before joining the team again ahead of the match at the Dragão.

I immediately rejected this proposal. It seemed obvious to me that I could not accept it. Just because I would not play the away games did not mean I should stop captaining our team. Having the privilege of staying in Portugal would not set a good example.

The manager ultimately agreed with my reasoning.

This conversation was witnessed by Simão Coutinho, Al Nassr’s sporting director, the person to whom the current manager reported throughout the previous season and one of those responsible for his signing by the club in 2025.

On the eve of the training camp, the manager came to my home in Lisbon to have another conversation with me, at his request. The conversation was calm, and all the principles agreed upon in August were maintained.

I played the game at Alvalade, and although I was substituted, I made no issue of it. I put the captain’s armband on Bruno Fernandes myself, never imagining that I might be taking my final steps as a player and captain of the national team. What mattered to me that day was our victory. Winning is always good, in Portugal and for my country, even more so.

At lunchtime on the day of the game in Norway, one of the manager’s assistants came to the table where the group was having lunch and told me that the manager wanted to speak to me. To my absolute surprise, the manager asked me if I was fit to play 30 minutes. I was completely focused on my physical recovery, integrated with my teammates as always, and thinking that I would not play that day. I had no problem with that.

This request was outside my physical-recovery and training plan — because I was only supposed to play on the 4th at the Dragão — but obviously I said yes. He told me to be ready because I would play 30 minutes.

Everyone knows what happened next. I warmed up from halftime, watched the minutes go by, and was not called upon.

The manager had broken his word to me.

At the end of the game, I just wanted everything to end with the victory and to be alone. I did not go over to greet the fans. That was entirely my responsibility and should not have happened. I apologize to the Portuguese people who supported us so intensely there, I apologize to the fans, and I apologize to those who, despite not being Portuguese, may have traveled there to see me and whom I may have disappointed.

Forty-eight hours later, the manager, Simão Coutinho and I had a conversation, since he had been present during our conversations in August.

It was a profound, very direct moment, without any kind of filter.

We agreed that there was only one way to put an end to this “case”: the manager should repeat what he had just told me privately, in Simão Coutinho’s presence, but in the press room.

What we agreed was simple: the manager would begin the press conference with this issue, seeking to put an end to the matter by telling the truth. He would say that I had never asked to play any minutes, that it was the manager and nobody else who had proposed the plan for this training camp, and that it had been a mistake to make me warm up without bringing me on — and that if it happened again, he would not do it.

We ended that meeting with the manager asking me for a hug, promising me that he would say at the press conference what he had just told me and that the matter would be put behind us. I would not play in Denmark and would play the Dragão match. All of this was in the presence of Simão Coutinho, throughout.

At the manager’s request, a subsequent meeting took place between him, Simão Coutinho and Tiago Craveiro via videoconference, during which what we had discussed was summarized.

A short document was produced, which I personally approved and which, with my knowledge, was given to the manager, as he had requested.

The press conference was what everyone knows: his stance had nothing to do with our meeting. I heard expressions and a level of aggression that I believe I did not deserve, an attitude of ‘I want, I can and I will’ that he had never shown me, not even remotely, in private the day before.

The notes I approved were as follows:

“I think it is important, especially because it is the truth, to clarify a few things before talking about Denmark:

1- I personally proposed a plan to Cristiano, without anyone else, for him for this season with the national team. It was a long and very good conversation.
2 – I know how much he lives for and loves the national team and the weight he carries in the world, even more so, the positive weight and influence he has had on the national team for 24 consecutive years.
3 – The plan I proposed to Cristiano was accepted.
4 – He never questioned my decisions. He was exemplary, loyal and professional.
5 – The plan I drew up for him did not include the Norway game. However, I felt that he had physically recovered from the first game and told him that I might have to use him. Cristiano agreed.
6 – I made a mistake by making someone of Pelé or Maradona’s stature warm up and then not putting him into the game. If I had to do it again today, I would not.
7 – To put an end to the matter: I want Cristiano in the national team. In fact, I don’t just want him a little, I want him very much. Fortunately, he also believes in me. He believed in me at Al Nassr and he believes in me here too.
8 – Regarding his not greeting the fans. We have already talked about that. Someone who has played more than 230 games for the national team does not need lessons from me about loving Portugal. It was a moment of frustration that erases nothing. He is the player who gives the most autographs, takes the most selfies and shows the most affection to the fans. Let’s not invent problems where they don’t exist. When we are unhappy, we react. That’s all it was.”

None of these notes, therefore, said that the manager had even apologized to me.

It was the second time he had broken his word to me.

I decided to leave the training camp without waiting for another broken promise. For me, the truth is still the most important thing in any relationship between people. No matter how much it hurts, tell me the truth.

In fact, during a conversation I had with the President of the FPF and the manager on the morning of that press conference, they can surely confirm that I reiterated that if they did not want me there, they should tell me. They simply had to be honest with me. I would have accepted that, and I promised that we would prepare something beautiful, as I dream it would happen, and nobody would be angry.

I remember it as if it were today. They both answered in unison that no. That my place was in the national team.

Never, at any point, have I interfered with any technical or tactical decision made by any coach or manager in almost 25 years of my career. I accept, whether I think what I am asked to do is better or worse. I respect the decision, and when my word is not respected, I feel that my place is not there.

I also owe an apology to my national-team teammates for leaving the training camp. Despite the absolute breach of trust in the manager’s word, as anyone who witnessed these conversations can attest, I should not have done it. The responsibility is exclusively mine.

I apologize to the Portuguese people once again, but a broken promise has, for me, a defining impact. I felt that, from that point on, my presence would only harm the group, and I did what I have always said I would do if I no longer felt useful: I packed my bags and left.

The consequence of my actions should be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation. I understand that the punishment should not have any mitigating factors. I am not just any player; I am the team captain, and that constitutes an aggravating factor. I have already apologized, but I know that actions must have consequences. Anyone involved in football at my level knows that, regardless of each person’s status, the rules are the same for everyone.

On this subject, I have heard a lot of talk about farewell games, that I need to have a dignified farewell and that the Federation wants to give me that opportunity.

I learned in life, often being hungry and having nothing to eat, that nobody gives anything to anyone.

I can promise all my fans, and naturally especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell games; there will be time for that.

But when I think about the national team, what I really think about is competing. That is what I thought about on the day I was given the news of my father’s death. I was at a national-team training camp and decided to stay until the following day’s game was over. I did for my country what I would never have done for any club.

Therefore, if I am physically fit, playing for my club, hopefully scoring goals, then after serving whatever suspension is imposed on me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team.

This is, believe me, the absolute truth,” Ronaldo ended his statement.

The executive was also questioned about the situation between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus, but avoided getting into the details of the conversations between the two. “I am not going to offer those clarifications; these are perfectly normal conversations between coaches and players,” he explained. Proenca maintained that those matters belong to the technical domain and that the Federation presidency should not intervene.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player in history, and he has given more than two decades to Portuguese soccer. He is the biggest symbol of Portuguese soccer, and we should bow in respect to Cristiano Ronaldo. His place in the national team is deserved because of his sporting level, and there is absolutely no debate about that. He will always remain part of this group whenever he is technically fit and ready. Cristiano knows that this is how we feel about him.”

Ronaldo’s awkward departure

The icon, present in all the titles Portugal have won in their history (one European Championship and two Nations Leagues), left camp two days after not playing a single minute in the match against Norway, despite the manager having him warm up during the second half.

However, what seemed to bother CR7 the most were Jorge Jesus’s statements to the press on Wednesday, when he justified his decision not to bring him on and made it clear that “in the national team, I am in charge.”

The forward published a statement of sorts on social media to announce his departure, avoiding specific details about the reasons, but highlighting that he was leaving “after listening to the manager’s press conference.”

In any case, a window now opens to attempt to bring both sides closer to a reconciliation, but time is of the essence. Portugal return to action in November, five weeks from now, to close out their participation in the Nations League group stage, although they have already secured their place in the March 2027 quarterfinals.

Key takeaways

• Pedro Proenca declined to disclose details regarding conversations involving Cristiano Ronaldo.
• One European Championship and two Nations Leagues represent all titles in team history.
• March 2027 quarterfinals are already secured for Portugal in the Nations League.

In his press conference, Jesus invited Ronaldo to return to Portugal whenever he wants. “I don’t know what is going to happen; to me, everything is open. He has to decide his life before the call-up. If he is playing and wants to be in the national team, he can return whenever he wants; why not? It was a misunderstanding and, in my opinion, it is easy to resolve. As far as I’m concerned, everything is good. When will it be resolved? I don’t know; we’ll see.”

The Portuguese manager opened the door for Cristiano to return to the national team and played down the severity of the events that occurred last week, when the Portuguese legend left camp because he felt betrayed by the coach.

What happened between Ronaldo and Jesus?

Cristiano Ronaldo voluntarily left Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen last Wednesday. His decision came after warming up for the entire second half and not playing against Norway on Matchday 2 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, becoming the main topic of the manager’s press conference.

This is something that had not happened in 18 years with Portugal, and Ronaldo also spoke out. On his social media platforms, Cristiano confirmed that he spoke with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca before leaving camp, stating that “in due time” he would explain “the truth to all Portuguese people about the reasons” behind his decision to leave the team.

Jorge Jesus demonstrates his authority

Despite many divided opinions regarding what happened between Jesus and Ronaldo, the positive side for the manager is that results are on his side, showing that for now, he knows what he is doing.

The manager, who replaced Roberto Martinez, has won all four matches played: Wales (1-0), Norway (2-1), Denmark (4-2), and Haaland’s side once again (2-1). Portugal are now through to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo voluntarily left camp on Wednesday.
• Jorge Jesus kept the door open for CR7 to return in the next international break.
• Portugal reached the Nations League quarterfinals following four consecutive victories.

The team’s biggest star did not see any playing time in Portugal’s last few matches, leading many to question the relationship between the forward and the coach. During his press conference, Jorge Jesus made it clear that he is the one who makes the final decisions for the team.

As he approaches the twilight of his professional playing career, this does not seem to be a fitting way for Ronaldo to close out his journey with his national team. We will have to wait and see what ultimately happened, especially since the player himself stated, “In due time, I will tell the truth.”

Jorge Jesus backs Rafa Leao and Goncalo Ramos

Not having Cristiano Ronaldo as the main reference point in attack is a clear sign that the changing of the guard is quickly arriving in Portugal. For this crucial match against the Vikings, Jorge Jesus is expected to field the following lineup.

Diogo Costa, Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Palhinha, Goncalo Ramos, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto.

How is Portugal coming into this match?

Portugal come into the fourth game of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League in stellar, dominant form, sitting comfortably at the top of Group D after sweeping their opening three fixtures. This team kicked off the campaign with a composed 1-0 home victory over Wales, followed it up with a gritty 2-1 away win against Norway in Oslo, and most recently delivered a 4-2 masterclass against Denmark in Copenhagen.

With a perfect 9 points from 9, a fluid attacking rotation anchored by Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, and momentum fully on their side, Portugal enter Matchday 4 at the Estadio do Dragao looking to effectively seal their spot at the top of the group.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo left the national team camp following comments exchanged with coach Jorge Jesus.
• Estadio do Dragao serves as the venue for the Matchday 4 Nations League clash.
• Perfect 9 points keep Portugal comfortably at the top of Group D after three wins.

To truly understand the seismic shift in Portuguese soccer, here is a look at the national team’s achievements before and after Ronaldo’s debut:

Despite head coach Jorge Jesus addressing their relationship, Ronaldo’s mid-tournament departure from the national team camp warrants close attention given the colossal impact he has made since stepping onto the pitch in August 2003. Jesus may have no regrets in how he handled the Ronaldo situation before his departure, but Portuguese fans are already missing CR7.

Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s leadership for Portugal

While no single player is larger than the team, Ronaldo approached his captaincy with unmatched gravity. Through sheer determination, he achieved historic milestones and elevated himself into the upper echelon of global sports icons.

Here are a few key moments that highlight the defining nature of Ronaldo’s leadership throughout his international career:

• The touchline manager (Euro 2016 Final): After an early knee injury forced him off against host nation France, Ronaldo spent the remainder of the 120 minutes pacing the touchline alongside manager Fernando Santos. He actively directed traffic, shouted tactical adjustments, and willed his teammates to Portugal’s first-ever major international trophy.
• Psychological empowerment (Joao Moutinho penalty call): In the Euro 2016 quarterfinal shootout against Poland, Ronaldo famously sought out a hesitant João Moutinho, shouting, “Hey! Come take one! You hit them well… Be strong, God knows best.” Moutinho converted his spot-kick, showcasing Ronaldo’s knack for inspiring confidence in high-pressure moments.
• Clutch performances under pressure: When qualification hung in the balance, Ronaldo routinely delivered. His legendary hat trick against Sweden in the 2014 World Cup playoff and his iconic hat trick against Spain at the 2018 World Cup stand out as masterclasses in leading by example.

As Portugal enters an uncertain era following his exit, the “Cristiano Era” leaves behind an indelible mark, and a towering legacy that may prove impossible for future generations to replicate.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo debuted for the national team on August 20, 2003.
• Portugal maintained a 100% tournament qualification rate during his era.
• The team won its first-ever major trophy at Euro 2016 against France

Jesus appeared in front of the media and promised to speak in detail after Portugal’s game on Sunday. However, he still said “I’m completely relaxed, completely clear in my conscience with this situation.” Cristiano Ronaldo also stated that in due time, he’ll tell the truth.

Fabrizio Romano reported that Jesus also said, “I have many years in football and I know that I did nothing that should have caused things to go differently… I will not hide or run away from it. Nobody can take away what Cristiano represents. He’s an icon and that’s not in question”.

Cristiano Ronaldo left the captaincy too

By leaving the Portugal national team, Bruno Fernandes will become the new captain as Cristiano Ronaldo left the captaincy too. Ronaldo is undoubtedly a legend, but this drama comes at a bad time, since Jorge Jesus is just starting a new chapter as the coach of this team.

Ronaldo also left behind the mythical No.7 jersey. Portugal was quick to give the jersey to left winger Rafael Leao. Basically, Portugal is ready to turn the page without Ronaldo as the UEFA Nations League develops.

Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo had a past and wasn’t dramatic

Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo had a glorious stint at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. They won the league title in Saudi Arabia. That was a big part of Portugal considering Jesus to appoint hims as the coach.

Key takeaways

• Jorge Jesus promised to speak in detail after Portugal’s next game regarding the situation.
• Midfielder Bruno Fernandes will take over as Portugal captain following Ronaldo’s departure.
• Left winger Rafael Leão received the number seven jersey as the squad moves forward.

Ronaldo has been ruled out for Portugal’s Matchday 3 clash against Denmark after departing the team’s training camp, leaving serious questions behind regarding the circumstances of his sudden exit.

The superstar forward was a unused substitute in Portugal‘s Matchday 2 match against Norway. Following that match, Jesus confirmed to reporters that Ronaldo would not be in the starting XI against Denmark, triggering a swift chain of events leading to the captain’s departure.

While Jesus publicly attempted to squelch rumors of tension with Ronaldo, the veteran tactical mind remains under intense scrutiny for his handling of CR7, who was widely expected to close out his storied international career later this year.

Portugal predicted lineup vs. Denmark

With Ronaldo unavailable for the remainder of the international window, Jesus must retool his attack to maintain Portugal’s momentum in Group A. Backed by Joao Felix and Pedro Neto in the final third, here is Portugal’s projected starting XI for today’s match:

• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes
• Midfielders: Joao Neves, Vitinha (or Joao Palhinha), Bruno Fernandes
• Forwards: Pedro Neto, Gonçalo Ramos, Joao Felix

Today marks an uncertain new chapter for Portuguese soccer. With the iconic forward officially off the roster for the rest of the break, Jesus gets his first full look at how Selecao will navigate the post-Ronaldo era.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo was ruled out for Portugal’s Nations League clash against Denmark.
• The superstar forward sat as an unused substitute during Matchday 2 against Norway.
• Manager Jorge Jesus must retool his attack featuring Joao Felix, Goncalo Ramos, and Pedro Neto.

How to watch Denmark vs Portugal in the USA

Denmark vs Portugal will be available to viewers in the United States through Fubo and ViX.

Can I watch Denmark vs Portugal for free?

There is a legal way to potentially watch Denmark vs Portugal without an upfront subscription cost through Fubo‘s 5-day free-trial offer, provided the account is eligible.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Denmark and Portugal meet at Parken Stadium on October 1 in Matchday 3 of League A, Group 4 of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, with both sides entering the fixture after very different opening results.

Denmark fell 3-2 to Norway in Oslo despite recovering from a two-goal deficit, while Portugal began its title defense with a 1-0 victory over Wales through Joao Felix‘s 22nd-minute goal.

Portugal enter the competition as the defending Nations League champions, having beaten Spain on penalties in the 2025 final to become the first nation to win the tournament twice. But the biggest storyline is that Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t playing today after leaving Portugal’s camp amid tension with manager Jorge Jesus over his playing time.

What time is the Denmark vs Portugal match?

The Denmark vs Portugal match kicks off on Thursday, October 1, at 2:45 PM ET. The game is scheduled for 8:45 PM local time in Copenhagen at Parken Stadium. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 2:45 PM
• Central Time: 1:45 PM
• Mountain Time: 12:45 PM
• Pacific Time: 11:45 AM