Portugal vs Norway Nations League Match: Ramos Winner, Haaland Injury

Match summary

On 5 October 2026, Portugal secured a 2‑1 victory over Norway in a UEFA Nations League Group A4 match played in Lisbon. The win lifted Portugal six points ahead of Denmark and confirmed their place in the quarter‑finals, while Norway fell to the bottom of the group after three straight defeats.

How the game unfolded

Norway struck first in the 36th minute when Kristoffer Ajer redirected a cross from Martin Ødegaard into the top corner with a half‑volley. Portugal levelled just two minutes later; João Cancelo struck a powerful shot from the edge of the box after a long throw‑in from Nuno Mendes.

The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute. Gonçalo Ramos, who had come off the bench, received a lay‑off from João Félix and finished from close range to give Portugal the lead. This goal is noted in the BBC report as the late winner that sent Portugal through to the last eight[1].

Injury and disciplinary notes

Norway’s talisman Erling Haaland was forced off in the 67th minute after limping off the pitch. The BBC notes that Haaland sparked injury concerns as he limped off and was substituted by Jorgen Strand Larsen[1]. His withdrawal raised worries for both the national team and his club Manchester City ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture.

Portugal finished the match with ten men after winger Francisco Conceição received two quick bookings for dissent and was sent off in the 87th minute.

Group standing and context

With two games remaining in the group stage, Portugal now leads Group A4 by six points over Denmark, who beat Wales 1‑0. Norway remain at the bottom of the group. Although the UEFA Nations League standings page indicates the competition is currently suspended[2], the positional references are based on the match result reported by BBC Sport.

Portugal played the match without Cristiano Ronaldo, who had left the national team camp earlier in the week after being dropped. Coach Jorge Jesus said he would discuss a possible return with the 41‑year‑old forward.