Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Denmark 3-2 on a dramatic opening night of the UEFA Nations League 2026/27, while Portugal began their title defence with victory and the Netherlands rescued a late draw against Germany.
The new Nations League campaign began on Thursday, September 24, with goals, late winners and tense encounters across Europe.
Haaland inspires Norway against Denmark
Norway made a winning start in Oslo as Haaland struck twice in an entertaining 3-2 victory over Denmark.
Oscar Bobb opened the scoring with a curling finish before Haaland doubled Norway’s advantage after connecting with Antonio Nusa’s pass.
Denmark refused to go away, however, as Mikkel Damsgaard reduced the deficit from a free-kick before Rasmus Højlund headed the visitors level.
Haaland eventually delivered the decisive moment in the 74th minute, scoring from a short-corner routine to restore Norway’s lead and secure all three points.
The goals also strengthened Haaland’s position as the UEFA Nations League’s all-time leading scorer, taking his competition tally to 21 goals in 16 appearances.
Gakpo rescues Netherlands against Germany
There was also late drama in Amsterdam as Cody Gakpo scored in stoppage time to earn the Netherlands a 1-1 draw against Germany.
Felix Nmecha put Germany ahead in the first half after Karim Adeyemi’s effort was blocked, leaving the midfielder to convert from close range.
Germany appeared set to begin their campaign with a victory before Gakpo struck with a late volley to rescue a point for the Dutch.
The fixture also marked the beginning of new eras for both countries, with Jürgen Klopp taking charge of Germany and Xavi Hernández leading the Netherlands.
Portugal begin title defence with victory
Defending Nations League champions Portugal opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Wales in Lisbon.
João Félix scored the only goal of the match in the 22nd minute, collecting a pass from Nuno Mendes before firing home from outside the penalty area.
Portugal controlled long spells of the contest, although Wales came close to equalising when Brennan Johnson’s attempted lob struck the crossbar late in the second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo also had opportunities to add to Portugal’s advantage but could not find the net.
Greece stun Serbia with late winner
Greece produced another dramatic finish as substitute Anastasios Douvikas scored a late header to secure a 2-1 comeback victory over Serbia.
Andrija Živković gave Serbia an early lead in the fourth minute before Christos Tzolis equalised for Greece in the 74th minute.
Douvikas then struck in the closing stages, converting a Kostas Tsimikas cross to give Greece all three points.
More UEFA Nations League results
Elsewhere on opening night, Kosovo defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0 through Vedat Muriqi’s late header.
Austria scored twice in the closing stages to beat 10-man Israel 3-1, while Lithuania secured a 2-0 away victory against Liechtenstein.
Malta also recovered from a goal down to defeat Andorra 2-1, with Irvin Cardona and Teddy Teuma completing the comeback.
The UEFA Nations League 2026/27 league phase runs from September 24 to November 17, with more European heavyweights set to begin their campaigns as Matchday 1 continues.
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