Denmark vs Portugal Match Preview, Teams Lineups, and Key Players

Denmark face Portugal on Thursday in Matchday 3 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The Group D fixture is scheduled for October 1, with kick-off at 11:45 PM Pakistan time.

Portugal have made a perfect start to the campaign, winning both of their opening matches and collecting six points. Denmark have three points after one win and one defeat, leaving them level with Norway but behind on the standings.

Denmark vs Portugal Preview

Denmark enter the match looking to close the gap on Portugal at the top of Group D. They have scored four goals in their opening two matches but have also conceded three.

The Danish side opened their campaign with a defeat before responding with a victory in Matchday 2. That win puts them back in contention, but another positive result will be important if they want to challenge Portugal for the top positions.

Portugal have been the early pace-setters in Group D. Roberto Martínez's side have won both matches and conceded only one goal across the opening two games.

Portugal's attacking options give them plenty of ways to create chances. Cristiano Ronaldo remains a major goal threat, while players such as Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva can influence the game from midfield and advanced positions.

Denmark will need to limit Portugal's time in dangerous areas while making the most of their own opportunities. Their four goals from two games show that the hosts have enough attacking quality to trouble the group leaders.

With Norway also sitting on three points, the result could have a major effect on the battle behind Portugal. Denmark will be looking to take points from the leaders and move closer to the top of Group D.

Denmark vs Portugal Head-to-Head

Denmark and Portugal have a long history of meetings in European competition and international football.

Portugal have had several notable results against Denmark over the years, although Denmark have also produced strong performances in this fixture.

The latest meeting between the two sides will add another chapter to the rivalry, with Portugal arriving as Group D leaders and Denmark looking to close the points gap.

Key Match Details

Detail	Information
Match	Denmark vs Portugal
Competition	UEFA Nations League 2026-27
League	League A
Group	Group D
Matchday	3 of 6
Date	Thursday, October 1, 2026
Kick-off	11:45 PM Pakistan time
Venue	Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
Denmark Coach	Brian Riemer
Portugal Coach	Roberto Martínez

Denmark Predicted XI 

Kasper Schmeichel; Alexander Bah, Joachim Andersen, Jannik Vestergaard, Victor Kristiansen; Morten Hjulmand, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg; Andreas Skov Olsen, Christian Eriksen, Gustav Isaksen; Rasmus Højlund.

Portugal Predicted XI 

Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Bruno Fernandes, João Palhinha, Bernardo Silva; Rafael Leão, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto.

Denmark vs Portugal Key Player Battles

Rasmus Højlund vs Rúben Dias

Højlund's pace and physical presence can create problems for Portugal's defence. Dias will have an important role in dealing with the Denmark striker and preventing him from receiving the ball in dangerous areas.

Christian Eriksen vs Bruno Fernandes

Both midfielders can influence games through passing, set pieces and chances created in the final third. Their ability to control possession and find attacking players could be central to the match.

Christian Eriksen vs Portugal Midfield

Eriksen's experience and passing range remain valuable for Denmark. Portugal will look to limit his time on the ball and prevent him from controlling the tempo.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Denmark Defence

Ronaldo remains one of Portugal's biggest threats around the penalty area. Denmark's centre-backs will have to stay organised and avoid giving the Portugal captain opportunities inside the box.

Denmark vs Portugal Nations League Campaign

Portugal currently lead Group D with six points from two matches. They have scored three goals and conceded one.

Denmark sit third with three points, having scored four and conceded three. Norway also have three points, while Wales remain without a point after two defeats.

Team	Played	Wins	Draws	Losses	Goals	Points
Portugal	2	2	0	0	3-1	6
Norway	2	1	0	1	4-4	3
Denmark	2	1	0	1	4-3	3
Wales	2	0	0	2	0-3	0

The October 1 meeting gives Denmark an opportunity to move level with Portugal on points if they can take all three points. Portugal, meanwhile, will look to maintain their perfect start and strengthen their position at the top of the group.

Watch Denmark vs Portugal Live on tapmad

Don’t miss Denmark vs Portugal as the two sides meet in a crucial Group D battle in the UEFA Nations League. Fans in Pakistan and Bangladesh can watch the match live on tapmad, with kick-off at 11:45 PM Pakistan time on Thursday, October 1.