Portugal begin life without Cristiano Ronaldo as they take on Denmark in the Nations League. Ronaldo sensationally left the squad this week after a fall out with coach Jorge Jesus, seemingly bringing an end to his storied international career.The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has scored an incredible 146 goals in 234 caps for his country but was left out of the 2-1 win over Norway.Ronaldo failed to train on Monday and Tuesday, prompting showdown talks with Jesus and Portugal Football Association (FPF) president Pedro Proena.Before he departed Copenhagen on his private jet, Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp.In due course, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I always dedicated myself.Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my team-mates good luck, without exception.Denmark team newsPatrick Dorgu dropped out of the Denmark squad after suffering a hamstring injury while Rasmus Hojlund leads the line in attack.Denmark: Hermansen; Kristensen, Andersen, Provstgaard, Mhle; Hjbjerg, Hjulmand; Daghim, Damsgaard, Daramy; Hjlund.Portugal team newsAway from the unknown surrounding Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes returns for Portugal after missing the Norway game as Nuno Mendes starts at left-back.Former Milan winger Rafael Leao starts in Ronaldos number seven shirt in a strong looking attack while Manchester City defender Ruben Dias skippers the side.Portugal: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; R. Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Ramos, Le�o. UEFA Nations League 2026 World League A Group D #TeamPlayedWonDrawnLostGFGAGDPtsLast 2 1 Portugal22003126 W W 2 Norway21014403 L W 3 Denmark21014313 W L 4 Wales200203-30 L L Position 1, 2 : Play Offs: Quarter-finals Position 3 : Relegation Playoffs Position 4 : Relegation Where to Watch Denmark v Portugal: TV and online streamsDenmark v Portugal kicks off at 7:45pm UK time on Thursday. It will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video for the pay-per-view price of �2.49. Topics Cristiano Ronaldo Denmark National Football Team Portugal National Football Team UEFA Nations League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Who will wear the number seven shirt for Portugal against Denmark following Ronaldos escape act? Jon Fisher 1st October, 2026 Portuguese public turn against Cristiano Ronaldo and back Jorge Jesus after row that could end strikers international career Jon Fisher 1st October, 2026 France v Italy: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Jon Fisher 1st October, 2026 Germany v Serbia: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Nicholas McGee 1st October, 2026 Betrayal, betrayal, betrayal: Ronaldo ally reveals why striker quit Portugal camp Jon Fisher 1st October, 2026 Greece v Netherlands: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Nicholas McGee 1st October, 2026
