Ronaldo's fitness will shape Portugal's clash with Norway

All eyes are on 41‑year‑old Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal prepare to meet a red‑hot Norway side at Ullevaal Stadion on Sunday’s UEFA Nations League Matchday 2. The key question is whether the veteran will start, sit on the bench or be used in a limited capacity.

Opening results and points

Both heavyweight teams sit on three points after massive opening wins. Norway recovered from a two‑goal deficit to beat Denmark 3‑2, with Erling Haaland scoring twice. Portugal opened with a 1‑0 victory over Wales, João Felix providing the decisive goal in Jorge Jesus’ first competitive match in charge, while Ronaldo saw a goal ruled out by VAR.

Norway's attacking threat

Haaland now boasts 64 international goals in 56 appearances, making him the biggest attacking threat Portugal must contain. Norway are competing in League A for the first time after promotion from League B, and have won 15 of their 25 Nations League matches to date.

Jesus on Ronaldo

Head coach Jorge Jesus refused to guarantee Ronaldo’s start, saying the final decision will depend on the striker’s condition after training. “He will go into the match as the first, second, or third option; that’s all there is to it. I’ll see how Cristiano is tomorrow. He knows his body better than I do, given his long experience, and today’s training session will give him the indications he needs to speak with me afterwards,” Jesus explained. He added that before the Wales game his policy was simple: “if he performs, he plays; if he doesn’t perform, he doesn’t play.”

Jorge Jesus rotates and benches Ronaldo in Nations League vs Norway

Projected line‑ups show Norway in a 4‑3‑3: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Aursnes; Odegaard, Berge, Berg; Bobb, Haaland, Schjelderup. Portugal’s projected 4‑2‑3‑1 features Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Silva, Felix; Ronaldo.

Portugal also impressed at the 2026 World Cup, reaching the quarter‑finals before losing 2‑1 to England after extra time. The nation was eliminated by eventual champion Spain in the Round of 16, prompting Roberto Martinez’s departure and Jesus’ appointment. The new coach has retained most established players, including Ronaldo, as Portugal defend the Nations League title they have won twice.

The current table shows Norway top with three points from one win, Portugal second on three points, while Denmark and Wales sit on zero after their defeats.

Portugal bench Ronaldo ahead of clash with Norway

Jesus will assess Ronaldo’s fitness in the final training session on Saturday, with the decision expected to be announced before kickoff on Sunday. Whatever role the captain assumes, his involvement will be a decisive factor in what promises to be an explosive encounter.