Portugal begin a new era without Ronaldo: prediction for Portugal vs Denmark
The UEFA Nations League fifth-round match between Portugal and Denmark will take place on November 14, 2026, at the Estádio Municipal de Braga. The hosts have won all four of their group-stage matches and have already secured a place in the quarter-finals. Denmark sit second on six points and are still battling for the remaining spot in the knockout stages.
Portugal: perfect run continues without their legendary captain
Portugal have made a commanding start to this Nations League campaign under Jorge Jesus. They have beaten Wales (1-0), Norway twice (2-1) and Denmark (4-2). After four rounds, the “European Brazilians” have a perfect 12 points, scoring nine goals and conceding four.
This will be Portugal’s first match since Cristiano Ronaldo retired from international football. João Cancelo and Francisco Conceição are also suspended, while Nuno Mendes is injured. Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves are ready to control the midfield, with Gonçalo Ramos in line to lead the attack.
Denmark: quarter-final hopes demand maximum focus
Denmark have collected six points from four group-stage matches. Brian Riemer’s side opened the campaign with a 3-2 defeat to Norway, then beat Wales 2-0, lost 4-2 to Portugal and defeated the Welsh again, 1-0. The Danes therefore hold second place, three points ahead of both Norway and Wales.
The visitors need to take four points from their final two matches to guarantee a place in the quarter-finals. Rasmus Højlund, who has scored 16 goals in 39 appearances for Denmark, is their main attacking hope. Patrick Dorgu will miss the match after only recently recovering from injury, limiting the coaching staff’s options out wide.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Portugal have won all four of their matches in this Nations League campaign, taking a maximum 12 points
- Denmark have recorded two wins and two defeats in their four group-stage matches
- Portugal have won 15 of their previous 19 meetings with Denmark and avoided defeat in their most recent encounter, a 4-2 victory
Hosts can keep their perfect record intact: prediction for Portugal vs Denmark
Portugal have already taken care of their main objective in the group, but Ronaldo’s retirement from international football opens up new opportunities for their attacking players. Jesus’ side have enough depth to maintain their high level of performance.
Denmark are motivated by the fight for second place and can cause problems for their opponents’ defence. However, home advantage and greater attacking firepower make Portugal the favourites.
