Portugal travels to Copenhagen to face Denmark in Matchday 3 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League without Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the national team’s training camp amid a reported tension with head coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo announced his exit in an Instagram post, saying that following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, he had decided to leave the camp, adding that he would “in due course” tell the Portuguese people the truth behind his departure.
The tension traces back to the win over Norway, when Ronaldo reportedly expected to start before Jesus turned to Gonçalo Ramos instead, who repaid the decision with the winning goal.
Ronaldo did not train with the group afterward, working apart in the gym before confirming he had left camp entirely, while Jesus has denied any real conflict, insisting he remains the one who makes the decisions.
With Ronaldo out of the squad picture for Denmark, Jesus is expected to stick largely with the group that beat Norway, while Rafael Leão looks set to inherit the captain’s number 7 shirt in his absence.
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Probable lineup for Denmark
Brian Riemer is expected to lean on home advantage with a settled back line and the experience of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in midfield, while the Höjlund-Isaksen pairing looks to punish a Portugal side still adjusting to the fallout from Ronaldo’s exit.
Denmark probable starting XI: Filip Jörgensen; Rasmus Kristensen, Joachim Andersen, Oliver Provstgaard, Patrick Dorgu; Morten Hjulmand, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Mikkel Damsgaard; Gustav Isaksen, Rasmus Höjlund, Mohammed Daramy.
Probable lineup for Portugal
Jesus is projected to keep Diogo Costa in goal behind a back four of Nuno Mendes, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga and João Cancelo, with João Neves and João Palhinha holding midfield and Gonçalo Ramos leading the line again after his winner against Norway.
Portugal probable starting XI: Diogo Costa; Nuno Mendes, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, João Cancelo; João Neves, João Palhinha; Francisco Conceição, João Félix, Pedro Neto; Gonçalo Ramos.
