João Félix has scored in both of Portugal’s Nations League games, netting in the 22nd minute in the 1-0 win over Wales and the 17th in the 2-1 win over Norway. Portugal now travel to Copenhagen three points clear at the top of Group A4, and Denmark, who have already lost a full-back to injury before a ball is kicked, need something from the night to keep the group alive. The game is at Parken on Thursday 1 October 2026, kick-off 19:45 BST.
Form & what’s at stake
Jorge Jesus has made a perfect start. Portugal beat Wales 1-0 on 24 September and won 2-1 at Norway on 27 September, where Gonçalo Ramos scored the winner three minutes after Erling Haaland had levelled Félix’s opener. Six points, a goal difference of +2, top of the group.
Denmark have three, and their start has swung between the promising and the sloppy. They lost 3-2 to Norway on 24 September, with Haaland scoring twice, then beat Wales 2-0 on 27 September through a Ben Davies own goal and a Gustav Isaksen strike an hour in. That leaves them third, behind Norway on head-to-head.
The maths are simple. A Portugal win puts them six clear of Denmark with four games left, making the rest of the group a scramble for second, while a Danish win turns Group A4 into a three-way race for the single place at the Finals. Both sides play again on Sunday 4 October, when Portugal host Norway, and Denmark travel to Wales.
Team news & injuries
Denmark’s problem is at left-back. Patrick Dorgu limped off with a hamstring injury against Wales and has returned to Manchester United, according to reports on the eve of the game, so Mohamed Daramy, who replaced him and impressed, is likely to start. Rasmus Højlund should lead the line.
Portugal have more to smile about. Bruno Fernandes is back in training after missing the Norway win, and Vitinha is expected to return in midfield. Cristiano Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Oslo and is tipped to return to the XI, though nothing has been confirmed by the federation and the XI will not be known until the teams are named.
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Predicted line-ups
Denmark: Expect two holders in Hjulmand and Højbjerg, with Damsgaard behind Højlund and Isaksen and Daramy wide. It is a shape built to squeeze the middle, leaving space on the flanks whenever the full-backs push up. Denmark have not solved that yet.
Denmark (4-2-3-1): Jørgensen – Kristensen, Andersen, Provstgaard, Mæhle – Hjulmand, Højbjerg – Isaksen, Damsgaard, Daramy – Højlund
Portugal: A 4-3-3 with Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves in midfield and Félix drifting in from the right. Ronaldo is the live question. Jesus left him on the bench in Oslo and Portugal still won, so his place isn’t a formality, and a manager with a perfect record has little reason to change a winning side for a famous name.
Portugal (4-3-3): D. Costa – Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes – Vitinha, Fernandes, J. Neves – Félix, C. Ronaldo, Neto
The key battle
Denmark’s two holding midfielders against Portugal’s three. Every time Félix drops into the middle, Portugal outnumbers the Danish pivot by one, and Félix drops in a lot. If Højbjerg and Hjulmand lose contact with each other, Fernandes will find room to pick passes between the lines all night. If they hold, Denmark’s counter through Isaksen becomes their best route to goal.
Denmark vs Portugal Prediction & tip
Denmark have scored in both games and will score at home. Portugal conceded in Norway, and their back four has not yet faced a hard question for a full 90 minutes. Portugal still have more quality in almost every position, and Félix is in the sort of form that survives a difficult away night in front of a loud crowd, which is why the visitors are the better bet even at Parken.
Tip: Both teams to score. Predicted score: Denmark 1-2 Portugal.
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