Portugal faces Denmark today in a crucial 2026-27 UEFA Nations League matchup that could significantly shape the race in League A, Group A4.
Portugal enters the match sitting atop the group with six points from two matches, having won both of its opening Nations League fixtures. Denmark and Norway are chasing with three points apiece, while Wales remains at the bottom of the group.
Here’s what happens to Portugal’s Nations League position if they win, draw or lose against Denmark today.
UEFA Nations League Group A4 Standings
Entering today’s matches, the group looks like this:
| Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Norway | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Denmark | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Wales | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
The top two teams in each League A group advance to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, making every point important during the six-match league phase.
What Happens If Portugal Beat Denmark?
If Portugal wins against Denmark, Portugal improves to nine points from three matches and maintains a perfect 3-0-0 record.
Denmark would remain on three points, giving Portugal a six-point advantage over the Danes with three matches remaining.
The result of Wales vs. Norway would also influence Portugal’s advantage at the top of the standings.
A victory would put Portugal in an extremely strong position to qualify for the Nations League quarterfinals, although Portugal would not mathematically clinch qualification today.
Portugal would then have an opportunity to move even closer to qualification when it hosts Norway on October 4.
What Happens If Portugal and Denmark Draw?
If Portugal draws Denmark, Portugal moves to seven points, while Denmark improves to four.
Portugal would remain ahead of Denmark and continue to control its path toward finishing in the top two.
However, Norway could move to six points with a victory over Wales, potentially reducing Portugal’s lead at the top of Group A4.
A draw would therefore keep Portugal in a favorable position, but the battle for both first place and quarterfinal qualification would remain open.
What Happens If Portugal Lose to Denmark?
A Portugal loss to Denmark would make Group A4 considerably tighter.
Portugal would remain on six points, while Denmark would improve to six.
Norway could also reach six points by defeating Wales, potentially leaving Portugal, Denmark and Norway all tied on six points after three matches.
That scenario would make Portugal’s remaining three Nations League fixtures especially important.
UEFA tiebreaking procedures would also become relevant if multiple teams finish level on points. The initial criteria include head-to-head points, head-to-head goal difference and head-to-head goals scored, followed by additional tiebreakers when necessary.
Can Portugal Qualify for the Nations League Quarterfinals Today?
No. Portugal cannot mathematically clinch a quarterfinal berth against Denmark today.
There are still three matches remaining after the Denmark game, meaning enough points would remain available for the other Group A4 teams to challenge Portugal.
However, beating Denmark would give Portugal a substantial advantage entering the second half of the league phase.
Can Portugal Be Eliminated If They Lose to Denmark?
No. Portugal cannot be eliminated today.
Even with a defeat, Portugal would remain on six points and would have three matches remaining to secure a top-two position.
A loss would simply make the qualification race much tighter, particularly if Norway also wins.
Portugal’s Remaining UEFA Nations League Schedule
After facing Denmark, Portugal has three matches remaining in the league phase:
- October 4: Portugal vs. Norway
- November 14: Portugal vs. Denmark
- November 17: Wales vs. Portugal
Those fixtures will ultimately determine whether Portugal finishes inside the top two and advances to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.
Bottom Line: Portugal vs. Denmark Scenarios
If Portugal wins: Portugal reaches nine points and takes a major step toward the quarterfinals.
If Portugal draws: Portugal reaches seven points and remains in a strong position, although Norway could close the gap.
If Portugal loses: Portugal stays on six points, Denmark reaches six, and Norway could also reach six, potentially creating a three-way tie.
Portugal therefore has plenty at stake against Denmark. While qualification cannot be secured today, a victory would give Portugal significant breathing room heading into the final three matches of the UEFA Nations League league phase.