Portugal Faces Denmark in Nations League Without Ronaldo After Camp Exit

Portugal travels to Copenhagen to face Denmark in Matchday 3 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League without Cristiano Ronaldo, who departed the national team’s training camp amid reported tension with head coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo announced his exit via Instagram, stating that following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, he had decided to leave the camp. He added that he would “in due course” tell the Portuguese people the truth behind his departure.

The friction reportedly traces back to the victory over Norway, when Ronaldo allegedly expected to start before Jesus turned to Gonçalo Ramos instead, a decision repaid with the winning goal. Ronaldo did not train with the group afterward, working separately in the gym before confirming he had left camp entirely, while Jesus has denied any real conflict, insisting he remains the sole decision-maker.

With Ronaldo out of the squad picture for the Denmark fixture, Jesus is expected to largely retain the group that defeated Norway, while Rafael Leão looks set to inherit the captain’s number 7 shirt in his absence.

Confirmed Lineup for Denmark

Brian Riemer will lean on home advantage with a settled back line and the experience of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg in midfield, while the Højlund-Isaksen pairing looks to punish a Portugal side still adjusting to the fallout from Ronaldo’s exit.

Denmark confirmed starting XI: Mads Hermansen; Rasmus Kristensen, Joachim Andersen, Oliver Provstgaard, Joakim Mæhle; Morten Hjulmand, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg; Adam Daghim, Mikkel Damsgaard, Mohamed Daramy; Rasmus Højlund.

Confirmed Lineup for Portugal

Jesus will keep Diogo Costa in goal behind a back four of Nuno Mendes, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, and João Cancelo, with João Neves and Vitinha holding midfield and Gonçalo Ramos leading the line again after his winner against Norway.

Portugal confirmed starting XI: Diogo Costa; Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo; Rúben Neves, Vitinha; Rafael Leão, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; Gonçalo Ramos.

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