Written by
WorldCupSpain Editorial Team
Reviewed by
WorldCupSpain Editorial Desk
Updated
October 13, 2026
Methodology
Corrections
Portugal strengthened their position in the UEFA Nations League with a 4-2 victory away to Denmark, completing three wins from their opening three matches and moving six points clear at the top of their group at that stage.The result was another reminder that Portugal's attacking strength extends across a deep squad.
WHAT HAPPENED
Portugal travelled to Denmark for Nations League Matchday 3 and won 4-2.
Joao Cancelo was among the scorers as Portugal built an advantage in a match where Denmark continued to respond.
The victory followed Portugal's earlier wins against Wales and Norway.
UEFA confirmed that Portugal had taken maximum points from their first three group matches after the Denmark victory.
Portugal then continued their successful window with a 2-1 home victory over Norway on Matchday 4.
Across their opening four Nations League fixtures, Portugal recorded four wins.
KEY CONTEXT
Portugal entered this Nations League cycle with significant expectations and a squad containing experienced internationals alongside players who can contribute in different roles.
The Denmark result mattered because winning away from home against a strong European national side is a more demanding test than simply protecting a home record.
Portugal were able to score four times and respond whenever Denmark threatened to make the match uncomfortable.
The subsequent victory against Norway reinforced the consistency of the campaign.
WHY IT MATTERS
International competitions are compressed into short windows. A team that collects points early reduces the pressure surrounding later fixtures and gives the coach more flexibility.
Portugal's perfect start achieved exactly that.
It also demonstrated that responsibility for creating and scoring does not have to sit with one individual.
A national team with several reliable attacking routes becomes much harder to prepare against.
WORLDCUPSPAIN ANALYSIS
Portugal's biggest strength is increasingly the number of high-level options available across the pitch.
The Denmark match illustrates why that depth matters.
Even when circumstances around the squad are complicated, Portugal can still construct winning performances through combinations involving defenders, midfielders and forwards.
The four-win sequence also suggests a team capable of maintaining focus from one international fixture to the next.
That consistency is often more important than one spectacular performance.
Portugal will face tougher knockout situations later, but building an early habit of winning is a useful foundation.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Portugal return to Nations League action in November. UEFA's schedule includes another meeting with Denmark before Portugal complete their league-phase programme away to Wales.