Portugal will play without Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time in 23 years when they face Denmark in the Nations League, with Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos named in the starting XI.
The team, led by Jorge Jesus, was confirmed ahead of the latest-round meeting after Ronaldo unexpectedly left the Portugal camp on the eve of the match. His departure brought an end to his 23-year association with the national side and created an unprecedented crisis around the team’s historic captain.
Ramos leads the attack in Ronaldo’s absence, with Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto selected alongside him. Bruno Fernandes starts in midfield with Vitinha and Ruben Neves, while Portugal will rely on Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes in defence and goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Portugal’s starting line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes
Midfielders: Vitinha, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes
Forwards: Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos
The line-up was announced by Portugal on 1 October 2026, with the team seeking a positive result against a resilient Denmark side while managing the consequences of Ronaldo’s departure from the camp.
Denmark have selected Mads Hermansen in goal, with Joachim Andersen, Oliver Provstgaard, Joakim Mæhle and Rasmus Nissen Kristensen forming the defensive line.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Morten Hjulmand will operate in central midfield, with Mikkel Damsgaard also included. Adam Daghim, Mohamed Daramy and Rasmus Højlund make up the Danish attack.
Denmark’s starting line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Mads Hermansen
Defenders: Joachim Andersen, Oliver Provstgaard, Joakim Mæhle, Rasmus Nissen Kristensen
Midfielders: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Morten Hjulmand, Mikkel Damsgaard
Forwards: Adam Daghim, Mohamed Daramy, Rasmus Højlund
