Ronaldo-less Portugal beat Norway 2-1 to reach Nations League quarterfinals

What the report says

Portugal secured a 2-1 home win over Norway in a UEFA Nations League Group A4 match on Sunday, advancing to the quarterfinals and becoming the first team to clinch a place in the 2026-27 edition, according to Al Jazeera’s report from AFP. The result came without Cristiano Ronaldo, who was absent after learning he would not start in the previous match. Portugal are the defending Nations League holders and have now guaranteed a top-two finish in the group.

Norway went ahead in Porto through Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer, whose long-range finish gave the visitors a lead against the run of play. Portugal responded quickly when Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo equalized with a powerful shot from distance. The winning goal came later from Goncalo Ramos, who started in Ronaldo’s place and scored from close range after being set up by Joao Felix.

The closing stages became more difficult for Portugal after Francisco Conceicao was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession following a dissent-related appeal for a penalty. Even with 10 men, Portugal held on for their fourth win in four group matches. The result underlines the team’s depth beyond Ronaldo and keeps their path toward the last eight on track, with the quarterfinals scheduled for March 2027.