Champions Portugal learn Nations League opponents in title defence: Denmark, Norway and Wales | OneFootball

Portugal won the Nations League for the second time in June 2025, beating Germany and Spain in Munich (Photo: FPF)

The draw for the 2026/2027 UEFA Nations League group phase took place in Brussels yesterday, pairing Portugal with Denmark, Norway and Wales in Group A4.

Denmark are familiar opponents having been Portugal’s quarter-final opponents in the previous tournament. The Seleção lost 1-0 in Copenhagen but beat the Danes 5-2 in a thrilling second leg in Lisbon to book their place in the Final Four in Munich – where Roberto Martínez’s side went on to lift the trophy.

In addition to the recent encounters, two of Denmark’s star players currently play their football in Portugal. Morten Hjulmand is Sporting CP’s captain while his midfield partner Viktor Froholdt has been a revelation in his debut season for FC Porto.

Norway are one of the most exciting teams in international football at the moment, boasting a host of star names led by Manchester City’s prolific striker Erling Haaland. The Norwegians romped to victory in their World Cup qualifying group, convincingly beating Italy home and away as they clocked up 8 wins in 8 matches, scoring 37 goals in the process.

Wales are another upwardly mobile nation in football terms. The British team have improved results and performances significantly under coach Craig Bellamy and still have a chance of qualifying for this summer’s World Cup having made the playoffs.

Portugal’s 2026/2027 Nations League schedule

24 September 2026 - Portugal v Wales

27 September 2026 - Norway x Portugal

1 October 2026 - Denmark x Portugal

4 October 2026 - Portugal x Norway

14 November 2026 - Portugal x Denmark

17 November 2026 - Wales x Portugal

Portugal need to finish in the top two to qualify for the quarter-finals, which will be played between 25 and 30 March 2027.

The Final Four tournament will take place three months later between 9 and 13 June.

Roberto Martínez, Portugal coach:

“Playing Denmark and Norway away in November is a challenge. We’re going to show a lot of respect for the talent of these teams. They are teams that do not have the historical weight in football as other nations, but we are talking about teams in great form. We need to be at our best. It’s the first time we’ll play six games in two get-togethers.”