Opinions, analysis and commentary
It showed that the goals now come from a shared engine rather than one finisher. Three matches without their captain produced eight goals, with Felix, Ramos and Cancelo each scoring more than once. The 4-2 win in Copenhagen was the sternest test, and Fernandes created two of the four goals there. That spread is the real finding, because it keeps the team dangerous whoever lines up. Heading into November, the front line has a clear pattern, though a disciplinary matter still hangs over the squad.
Parken on 1 October gave the clearest evidence. Cancelo struck after 13 minutes from a Ramos pass, but Damsgaard levelled in the 23rd. Ramos restored the lead two minutes later from a Fernandes delivery, and Hojlund pulled Denmark level again after the break, so nothing was settled until late.
Vitinha then put Portugal ahead once more, again from a Fernandes pass, and Felix sealed it in the 87th minute after Dalot picked him out. The side lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with Costa in goal, Neves and Vitinha in front of the back line, and Fernandes between Neto and Leao behind Ramos. That shape let the team keep attacking even after conceding twice.
The split in results is easy to read. In the opening 1-0 win over Wales on 24 September, Ronaldo played and left the pitch around the 67th minute, with Felix scoring the only goal. Three days later in Norway, he stayed on the bench all night, and Jesus said afterwards that bringing him on would not have made sense. Portugal won 2-1 through Felix and Ramos.
The next two games followed the same script. Denmark were beaten 4-2 away, then Norway lost 2-1 in the return at home, with Cancelo and Ramos scoring. Put together, that is eight goals in three outings and no sign of strain. It is a simple pattern, and it kept the attack productive.
| Match | Opponent | Score | Ronaldo played | Portugal goals |
| 24 Sep | Wales (H) | 1-0 | Yes | Felix |
| 27 Sep | Norway (A) | 2-1 | No | Felix, Ramos |
| 1 Oct | Denmark (A) | 4-2 | No | Cancelo, Ramos, Vitinha, Felix |
| 4 Oct | Norway (H) | 2-1 | No | Cancelo, Ramos |
UEFA’s table from 6 October puts Felix and Ramos level on three goals each. Cancelo has two and Vitinha one, so four different players already share the scoring. Fernandes added two assists against Denmark alone, which makes him the link between the midfield and the finishers. Those four scorers account for all nine goals Portugal have scored across the four fixtures above.
Ronaldo has 146 international goals, three of them at the 2026 World Cup, but none yet in this competition. His missing name matters less than it once would, because the scorers now include a full-back, a midfielder and two forwards. A team with that spread is harder to mark than one aimed at a single target.
Away from the pitch, the story turned sharper. Ronaldo left the camp on 30 September, after he was left out against Norway and Jesus had spoken to the press about the decision. The departure sharpened the contrast between a winning result on the pitch and a dispute off it, and the mood around the squad turned fragile.
The FPF has since suspended him provisionally, with a final penalty still pending. The range under discussion runs from one to six months, so his place in the next matches is uncertain. Until that ruling lands, planning for the attack has to assume his absence.
The next window is demanding. Denmark visit Braga on Saturday 14 November, kickoff 19:45 local time, a rematch with the side that scored twice in Copenhagen. Three days later, on Tuesday 17 November, Portugal travel to Wales for a 20:45 CET start. Denmark scored twice at Parken, so the defenders will want a cleaner night at home.
How the Portugal Nations League 2026 without Ronaldo storyline unfolds in November rests on the FPF verdict. Should the ban keep him out of both games, the evidence from October says this attack can carry on without him, with Felix, Ramos and Cancelo shouldering the same scoring duty they already hold.
Does Portugal’s attack miss Ronaldo, or has the team found a better balance? Tell us your view in the comments.
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Why did Ronaldo leave the Portugal camp?
He left on 30 September, three days after the Norway benching and a press conference given by Jesus. Portugal won that Norway game 2-1 while he remained an unused substitute.
Is Ronaldo suspended by Portugal?
Yes, the FPF has suspended him provisionally, and the final decision is still pending. The penalty range being discussed is one to six months, so his November availability is open.
How many international goals does Ronaldo have?
He has scored 146 international goals for Portugal. Three of them came at the 2026 World Cup, and he has none so far in this Nations League campaign.
Who scored for Portugal against Denmark?
Cancelo, Ramos, Vitinha and Felix each scored once in the 4-2 win. Fernandes created two of those goals, and Dalot supplied the late pass that set up Felix for the fourth.
When do Portugal play Denmark again?
Portugal host Denmark in Braga on Saturday 14 November. Kickoff is 19:45 local time, and the squad then makes the trip to Wales on 17 November at 20:45 CET.
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