Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland will finally meet on the pitch for the first time in their careers. The Norway national team hosts Portugal in the Nations League at Ullevaal Stadion on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in what will be a historic clash between two of the world's greatest forwards.
The match is part of Nations League League A, Group 4, which also includes Denmark and Wales. The return fixture will be played in Porto on October 4. This marks the first time Ronaldo and Haaland will share the pitch at international level. The two stars have never faced each other since Haaland's senior debut for Norway in 2019.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most prolific international goalscorers in history, with a career defined by remarkable longevity and sustained excellence. He has played for clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr. On the other side stands Erling Haaland, who is still establishing his place among the game's elite after spells at Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City. He is described as one of the most feared center-forwards of the modern era.
The fact these two have never met is due to previous encounters between Portugal and Norway taking place before Haaland's time with the senior national team. Now the date is finally set, and the showdown is expected to attract the most attention.
Norway enters the autumn Nations League matches after a mixed summer. The team currently sits second in their World Cup qualifying group with 6 points from 3 games, following 2 wins and 1 loss. They have scored 8 goals and conceded 7, giving them a +1 goal difference. France leads the group, with Norway trailing the leaders by 3 points.
The last result was a 1-2 defeat to England on July 11 of this year. Norway's recent form over the last five matches shows 3 wins and 2 losses, with two consecutive losses in the most recent two.
Group 4 in League A contains four teams all with quality. However, before the meeting with Portugal, an important derby against neighboring Denmark awaits. That match is at home at Ullevaal Stadion on Thursday, September 24, just three days before the Portugal visit. This means Norway faces a demanding week of matches.
Success in the Nations League can provide a pathway for further advancement, and every point counts. The group stage determines who stays in the top division. For an overview of all upcoming matches, check our fixtures page.
The match against Portugal and specifically Cristiano Ronaldo represents a major sporting challenge and an opportunity for Norway and Erling Haaland to test themselves against absolute world-class players on a big stage. It is a competitive fixture in an official UEFA tournament, not a friendly.
For the national team's continued development towards the 2026 World Cup, such fixtures are invaluable. They provide experience against top opposition under pressure. The team's position in their World Cup qualifying group can be followed on the standings page.
The Norway national team's next fixture is against Denmark at Ullevaal Stadion on September 24, 2026.
