Ronaldo’s Role in Doubt as Portugal Aim for Third Straight Nations League Win in Copenhagen

Portugal will look to maintain their perfect start to the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League on Thursday when they travel to Parken Stadium in Copenhagen to face Denmark in Group A4. The reigning champions have collected six points from their opening two fixtures and sit atop the group, while the Danes enter the match in third place with three points. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:45pm local time (18:45 GMT), with Al Jazeera Sport providing live build-up and updates from 15:45 GMT.

The match day three encounter carries significant weight for both sides, but much of the pre-match conversation has centered on one player: Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old striker was left on the bench for Portugal’s most recent outing, a 2-1 victory away in Norway, and new head coach Jorge Jesus opted not to bring him on at any point during the match. That decision has sparked widespread debate about how the veteran forward will be used during an expanded international break and whether his influence on the team is diminishing.

Portugal’s campaign began with a narrow 1-0 home win over Wales before they secured a hard-fought 2-1 triumph in Norway. Those results have given the holders a strong foundation as they pursue a second consecutive Nations League title. Denmark, meanwhile, opened with a disappointing 3-2 away defeat to Norway but rebounded with a convincing 2-0 home victory over Wales. A win on Thursday would bring the Danes level on points with Portugal and blow the group wide open.

Denmark head coach Brian Riemer was unequivocal in his defense of Ronaldo, dismissing suggestions that Portugal might be a stronger team without him. Speaking to TV2 Sport, Riemer described the debate as “a bit absurd” and argued that many observers underestimate the striker’s importance to the Portuguese setup. He pointed to Ronaldo’s leadership and the hierarchical structure he provides within a squad full of strong personalities, suggesting that Portugal could face a significant challenge once he eventually retires.

Riemer went further, insisting that Portugal’s best possible lineup includes Ronaldo and warning that his presence on the pitch should never be underestimated. His comments add an intriguing psychological layer to the fixture, as the Danish coach appears eager to frame Portugal as a team still heavily reliant on their iconic captain even as the manager manages his minutes more carefully than ever before.

Jesus, for his part, has defended his handling of Ronaldo. The Portuguese coach explained that he had agreed with the striker that he would enter the Norway match during the final half hour, but the flow of the game made that substitution impractical. Jesus noted that Goncalo Ramos was performing well, having scored a goal and seen another disallowed, and he felt removing him would have disrupted the team’s momentum. He emphasized that the decision was tactical rather than physical, stating that Ronaldo was fully fit and available to play as long as required.

Even without Ronaldo on the pitch, Portugal have demonstrated considerable attacking depth. Ramos, who started in his place against Norway, scored his 12th international goal to underline his credentials as a capable alternative. Joao Felix has also emerged as a reliable threat, finding the net in both of Portugal’s opening fixtures. Their contributions suggest that Portugal possess the firepower to manage Ronaldo’s workload without sacrificing results, a luxury that could prove crucial as the tournament progresses.

Denmark will counter with their own attacking talent. Rasmus Hojlund, who has scored twice for Napoli this season, leads the line and poses a physical threat to any defense. Lazio winger Gustav Isaksen delivered a player-of-the-match performance in Denmark’s win over Wales, capped by a goal, and will be eager to build on that display. Midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg provides experience and steel in the center of the park, while Mikkel Damsgaard offers creativity in the attacking third.

However, Denmark have been dealt injury blows ahead of the clash. Left winger Patrick Dorgu sustained a hamstring injury in the first half of the last match and has returned to his club, Manchester United. Attacking midfielder Albert Gronbaek is also unavailable, ruled out for several weeks with a thigh problem. Those absences will force Riemer to adjust his lineup, potentially opening opportunities for squad players to step in against the reigning champions.

Historically, Portugal hold the upper hand in this fixture. The two nations have met 17 times, with Portugal winning 11, Denmark claiming four victories, and two matches ending in draws. Their most recent encounter came in March 2025 in the second leg of a Nations League quarterfinal, when Portugal produced a dominant 5-2 victory. Trincao scored twice in that match, while Ronaldo and Ramos each added a goal, and Joachim Andersen contributed an own goal. Rasmus Kristensen and Christian Eriksen found the net for Denmark in a losing effort.

Form guides offer contrasting pictures heading into Thursday’s match. Denmark’s last five results read win, loss, draw, draw, win, reflecting an inconsistent run. Portugal’s sequence of win, win, loss, win, draw suggests a team capable of grinding out results even when not at their fluent best. The visitors will be confident of extending their unbeaten start to the group stage, but a trip to Copenhagen is rarely straightforward.

The broader context of the Nations League adds significance to the fixture. Founded in 2018 to replace meaningless friendlies with competitive matches against top-ranked European nations, the tournament operates with promotion and relegation between its leagues. For Portugal, victory would reinforce their status as the team to beat in Group A4. For Denmark, a positive result would keep them in contention for a top-two finish and a chance to progress deeper into the competition.

With Ronaldo’s involvement uncertain and both squads dealing with injuries and tactical questions, Thursday’s clash promises to be a compelling test of depth and strategy. Portugal will rely on their array of attacking options to compensate for any reduced role for their captain, while Denmark will look to harness home advantage and the motivation of proving they belong among Europe’s elite. The outcome could shape the trajectory of Group A4 for months to come.