Norway vs Portugal Prediction 27 September 2026
🔊 On 27 September, the Ullevaal hosts a big match - something that is becoming less of a rarity for Norway. The Vikings finally have a team capable not just of taking the field against a top side, but of imposing their own game on them. The Norwegians came back from the World Cup with a quarter-final finish and enormous self-belief. Now the target is to make an impact in the Nations League, where they have reached the top division for the first time. The visitors will be the group's main contender and favourites - Portugal, who are beginning a new era following a change of manager.
🔁 Don't miss important news ahead of the match: we will be adding information on line-ups, injuries and other developments that could affect the balance of power.
Long time no see
📊 There are no recent head-to-head meetings between these sides. The last one took place more than ten years ago, in May 2016, and ended in a 3-0 thrashing of Norway in Porto. However, those teams bore little resemblance to the current ones: Norway had no golden generation back then, and of that Portugal squad only Cristiano Ronaldo remains.
Head-to-head statistics Norway - Portugal
Norway: A Successful Start in the Top Flight
Norway made a positive start to their Nations League A campaign, beating Denmark 3-2 in the opening round. Erling Haaland scored twice to bring his international tally to 64 goals, while Martin Ødegaard contributed two assists. The key players are in fine form, though it would be an overstatement to say Norway dominated the match overall - the statistics point to an even contest.
Ståle Solbakken's side play an attacking style of football and have scored more than 1.5 goals in eight consecutive home matches, which is hardly surprising given the quality they possess in attack. Defensively, though, there are problems - Norway have failed to keep a clean sheet in nine consecutive official matches, and there is little reason to expect that to change against one of the strongest national teams in the world.
Match Results: Norway
Portugal: Unconvincing Start Under Jesus
Portugal are beginning a new cycle under Jorge Jesus, and his debut in Lisbon against Wales (1-0) left mixed impressions. The team dominated - 23 shots to 5 - yet scored only once despite an xG of 2.46. Wales actually created more big chances than Portugal did (2 to 1).
Cristiano Ronaldo spent 66 minutes on the pitch, had seven shots, but failed to score - his goal was ruled out for offside. There is no shortage of critics of the 41-year-old, who continues to be called up to the national team despite his age. But it cannot be said that Portugal improved significantly after their captain left the field. In Oslo they will need to, otherwise there is a chance they could come away with nothing. That has happened in only 1 of their last 11 Nations League matches.
Match Results: Portugal
Latest news
Norway
🚫 Norway's main selection problem is the left side of defence. David Møller Wolfe picked up a second yellow card in stoppage time against Denmark and is suspended for the match against Portugal. It is a significant loss. Fredrik Aursnes, who can play in several positions, is likely to fill the role. Alexander Sørloth was not called up due to a muscular injury sustained back in August. There may also be changes in attack, with Andreas Schjelderup a possible starter.
Portugal
❓ Portugal's squad situation is stable - there are no confirmed absences. There are, however, doubts over Bruno Fernandes, who had a quiet game against Wales. According to Jorge Jesus, the midfielder arrived from Manchester United carrying an injury and is a doubt for the upcoming match.
🔁 Update - 27 September, 5:30 UTC:
- Bruno Fernandes missed training in Oslo and worked separately from the squad in the gym due to muscular discomfort. According to Desporto ao Minuto, the midfielder will sit out the upcoming match in order to be fit for the game against Denmark. João Neves is expected to take his place in central midfield.
🔁 Update - 27 September, 7:46 UTC:
- Jorge Jesus did not rule out Cristiano Ronaldo starting on the bench against Norway: "Cris, whether we like it or not, is not like João Neves, who is 20 years old and can play two games in a row every three days." Ronaldo played 67 minutes against Wales, had more shots than anyone else (7), led on expected goals (xG 1.03) and touched the ball in the opposition penalty area more than any other player (8).
Predicted Lineups
📋 Norway predicted starting XI: Nyland - Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Aursnes - Ødegaard, Berge, Berg - Bobb, Haaland, Schjelderup
📋 Portugal predicted starting XI: Costa - Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes - Palhinha, Vitinha, Neves - Bernardo, Félix, Ronaldo
⚽ Goals Prediction
Both teams play attacking football and are known above all for that. The statistics point to a high likelihood of goals at both ends - Both Teams to Score - Yes has landed in nine consecutive official matches involving the Vikings. Haaland is in phenomenal form and consistently delivers for the national team. Portugal, meanwhile, have Ronaldo chasing his 147th international goal, plus a host of other stars capable of scoring from nothing. Both teams to score at around 1.40* looks very appealing.
🟨 Yellow Cards Prediction
The match will be refereed by François Letexier - one of UEFA's most experienced officials. Across his last five matches, the Frenchman has shown more than three yellow cards only once, in the recent derby between Marseille and PSG. There is little reason to expect the same intensity from this fixture. Norway and Portugal are not among the more physical sides, and their average number of bookings over their last ten matches respectively is low - 2.3 and 3.1. It is reasonable to assume Letexier will not have too many reasons to reach for his pocket. The optimal bet is Total Yellow Cards - Under 3.5 at 1.65*.
🚀 Player Statistics Bet
Erling Haaland is Norway's main attacking force and possibly the most dangerous forward in the world right now. Against Denmark he scored twice, taking his international tally to 64 goals in 56 matches. The Norwegian has scored in 15 of his last 16 official matches for Norway, including seven goals at the World Cup. Extraordinary numbers. We believe the Nations League's all-time top scorer (21 goals) is more than capable of getting on the scoresheet against a Portugal defence that is far from watertight. The odds on Haaland to Score are a very attractive 1.80*.
🚩 Corners Prediction
There is a trend that connects both sides, and it is hard to ignore. Total Corners - Over 8.5 has come in in 7 of Portugal's last 8 away matches in the Nations League and in six consecutive official matches for Norway. Both teams make active use of the flanks, where they can call on a large number of technically gifted players. With that in mind, the odds of 1.85* on this market seem slightly generous.
😱 Risky Bet
In the opening round, neither side wasted any time. Portugal broke the deadlock against Wales through João Félix on 22 minutes, while Norway scored twice against Denmark inside 18 minutes - though they also conceded before half-time. Why couldn't that scenario repeat itself? We think Both Teams to Score - Yes in the 1st Half is worth your attention, particularly given the attractive odds of 3.20*.
🎯 Reliable Bet
Norway have scored in each of their last 20 official matches. It would be hard to find a more consistent run than that. The Vikings' attack is so potent that any team visiting Ullevaal must be prepared to pick the ball out of their own net at least once. We expect that fate to befall Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Home Team to Score at 1.20* is our reliable option.
👀 If the Match Goes Off Script
In this section we want to offer something genuinely unexpected. That option is Cristiano Ronaldo answering his critics. The 41-year-old captain hears the talk that his time has passed, yet he remains his country's all-time top scorer and the main threat to Norway's goal. If he opens the scoring in Oslo, it would be a powerful response to the sceptics and could inspire those around him. Norway have not lost at home in 8 of their last 9 Nations League matches, but opponents of this calibre have not come to visit them before. A bet on Portugal to Win at 2.65* is worth considering.
*Odds are indicative and may vary across different bookmakers.
⭐️ Editorial Prediction
Ten years ago Norway were a comfortable opponent for Portugal, but things have changed. The Vikings will take to the field at their home ground with the tournament's top scorer in their ranks and the belief that they can beat anyone. Portugal under Jesus are still finding themselves, so it is hard to believe they will take three points from such a difficult away fixture. We are predicting an entertaining match with goals from Haaland and Ronaldo leading to a 2-2 draw. The main bet is Total Goals - Over 3. The over has landed in 19 of Norway's last 20 matches, so a return on the stake at the very least looks guaranteed.
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Betting Tips: Norway - Portugal
in 15 of last 17 games.in last 8 home games.
in 10 of last 11 games (UEFA Nations League).in 15 of last 17 games.in 8 of last 9 home games (UEFA Nations League).in 15 of last 17 Portugal games (UEFA Nations League).in last 8 Portugal away games (UEFA Nations League).
in 9 of last 10 Francois Letexier games.Comparison of Teams Stats
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