Portugal has never felt less dependent on one man. Jorge Jesus’ side are a perfect 4-0 in Group A4 and already clinched a quarter-finals berth. Denmark come into Braga in second place, six points back, and desperately need a result. On Saturday in Braga, they play their first match since Cristiano Ronaldo retired from international soccer.
Nonaldo? No Problem!
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old striker and arguably one of the greatest to play the game, officially retired on Nov. 5. He scored 146 goals in 234 caps in a senior international career that began on August 20, 2003 when he came on as a substitute against Kazakhstan. His final appearance was Portugal’s 1-0 opening win over Wales in September.
Jesus benched him against Norway, then told him he wouldn’t start against Denmark. Ronaldo abruptly left camp outside Copenhagen on October 3, boarded his private jet and flew off to wherever mega-rich man babies go to pout. He made some catty social posts, and Portugal eventually suspended him for 30 days for his conduct.
Was it a messy end? Yes. Did Ronaldo deserve better? Sure. Was it entirely his own fault? Yes and no. But this story isn’t about CR7… it’s about Portugal. And the truth is: the team is better without him. They won all three games he didn’t play in. His replacements, João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos, each have three goals in that same span. The Portuguese attack moves the ball quickly and no longer has to be built around an increasingly static 41-year-old’s starting spot. Jesus can also stop managing a personality and start building toward the 2030 World Cup.
What’s at Stake
It doesn’t hurt that Portugal are sitting pretty with 12 points. You can argue they already got their prize with Ronaldo in the rear-view mirror, but one point from the next two matches would secure them first place. Group winners are seeded in the quarter-final draw and play the second leg at home, a preferred scenario.
Denmark’s situation is far tighter.. They occupy second place, but only have six points. With Norway and Wales on three each, either can leapfrog them in the standings with a strong run of form. Four points from this game and Tuesday’s home match against Norway (in any combination) guarantees a top-two finish. One win (three points) could be enough depending on tiebreakers. A third place finish could condemn them into a League A/B play-off in March.
The Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Portugal has dominated this matchup, going 10-2-3 in 15 competitive meetings. But most of those fixtures were long ago. Looking back on recent contests, well, Portugal is still dominant. In the 2025 Nations League quarter-finals, Denmark won the first leg 1-0 in Copenhagen. But Portugal forced extra time by winning the reverse leg 3-2 (and yes, Ronaldo scored one of those), and then putting in two more to win 5-3 on aggregate. Their earlier group stage match in October at Parken was an up-and-down affair. Portugal went up through João Cancelo, Mikkel Damsgaard equalized, and Gonçalo Ramos stole another back in a span of ten minutes. In the second half Rasmus Højlund tied it, and then Vitinha and João Félix finished off a 4-2 win.
Portugal Roster News
Jesus called up seven new players and described the squad as “a renewal, always with our eyes on the future.” He gave first call-ups to Porto right back Alberto Costa and Monza striker Gustavo Varela, whom Jesus called “the top scorer in the Italian league”. This isn’t just coach’s hyperbole, Varela has nine goals in Serie A. Monaco left back Flávio Nazinho also got his first senior call-up. Rafael Leão, Nuno Tavares and Tomás Araújo were released with injuries, as was Nuno Mendes. João Cancelo and Francisco Conceição, who was sent off against Norway, are suspended.
Denmark coach Brian Riemer added four names: Rasmus Nicolaisen, Mathias Jensen, William Osula and Jesper Lindstrøm. Lindstøm is returning after a year and a half hiatus. Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen is still injured, and Kasper Høgh was dropped with no reason provided.
Players to Watch
Gonçalo Ramos has scored in three straight starts and is set to lead the line. Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves give Portugal a strong midfield. With Mendes and Cancelo out, Nazinho could make his debut at left back.
For Denmark, everything hinges on Højlund, who has 16 goals in 39 caps and scored three of Denmark’s seven group goals. Damsgaard has two goals and an assist. One worrying area for Denmark is defense: they’re conceding 1.75 goals per game. Veteran center-back Joachim Andersen (30) and his much younger partner Oliver Provstgaard (24) will have their hands full.
Honoring a Legend
Petulance aside, Ronaldo is still a legend. And Portugal will be honoring him in three ways.
- The Portuguese federation has reportedly ordered that the room traditionally used by Ronaldo remain empty for this camp.
- As the Portuguese players walk out onto the pitch, they will all be wearing Ronaldo’s number 7 jersey.
- In the seventh minute of the match, the crowd will provide a standing ovation in tribute.
Classy moves. Well played, Portugal.
Match Details
- Competition: UEFA Nations League, League A, Group 4, Matchday 5
- Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Kickoff: 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT (7:45 pm local)
- Venue: Estádio Municipal de Braga, Braga, Portugal
- Watch: Broadcast live on FS2
The Qooligan is an alias of Hooligan Soccer founder Q Williams. Q is a 20+ year veteran of numerous technology and media companies, including MTV, Gracenote, Watchwith and Crunchyroll. He has a master’s degree in European History from Columbia University. Q is also a respected Sports Journalist with extensive experience in Soccer, particularly the Premier League, Champions League, MLS and USL. The Qooligan provides analysis and valuable insights based on years of professional practice. Connect with The Qooligan on X and Bluesky. He is committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy content that reflects expertise, experience and no shortage of attitude.
