Cristiano Ronaldo expected in Portugal squad for Nations League clash with Norway

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be part of Portugal's squad when they face Norway in the Nations League at Ullevaal on 27 September. This presents a rare opportunity for Norwegian fans to see the 41-year-old legend on Norwegian soil as he continues his pursuit of his 1000th official career goal.

Portugal's new head coach Jorge Jesus will name his squad for the match against Norway on Friday. Jesus was Ronaldo's coach at Al-Nassr last season, and nothing suggests their collaboration will stop now. Journalist Vitor Goncalves, who covers Portugal for Record, says he is certain the star will be selected.

• As long as he doesn't announce his retirement from the national team, which I don't think he will do, neither now and definitely not before Friday, then he is in the squad, Goncalves said.

He believes Ronaldo will continue with the national team until he reaches the milestone of 1000 goals., I think he continues until he has scored his goal number 1000, he added.

Norway's coach Ståle Solbakken avoided answering directly whether he hopes Ronaldo plays against Norway. He did, however, point out the difference a Ronaldo makes for Portugal.

• If it's not Ronaldo, it's Ramos. He runs more, but is not so deadly in the box. And then there is something about the aura you should not take from Ronaldo. He still scores in World Cups, Solbakken told reporters.

Solbakken described Portugal's performances at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup as uneven., Uneven. At their best, very good. So they may have fallen a bit short of what they did at their absolute best, he said. He also proposed a scenario where Ronaldo could play the home match against Wales and then sit out the away match in Norway three days later.

The match against Portugal comes during a busy period for Norway, who currently sit second in their World Cup qualifying group with six points from three games. They have won three of their last five matches, with a recent form of LWWLW. Their last outing was a 1-2 defeat to England on 11 July.

Before facing Portugal, however, awaits an important Nordic derby against Denmark at home at Ullevaal on 24 September. The team's top scorer this season is Erling Haaland, who has netted seven goals in five appearances. See the full squad and player stats here.

For Norway, a meeting with Ronaldo would be an extra motivator and a historic occasion, as he has never played at Ullevaal before. With Portugal's new coach knowing him well, the chance is high that Norwegian supporters will get to witness a living legend in action.