Wales Nations League play-off looms after 3-1 defeat to Norway

Wales will finish bottom of their Nations League group after a 3-1 defeat to Norway in Oslo on Saturday, and now face a likely relegation play-off in March.

Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup scored nine minutes apart early in the second half to undo a promising Wales display. David Brooks pulled one back before Erling Haaland sealed it from the penalty spot.

The result ends Craig Bellamy’s hopes of a top seeding for Euro 2028 qualifying, whatever happens against Portugal in Cardiff on Tuesday.

Wales Nations League hopes slip away in Oslo

For 45 minutes, Wales were more than a match for a Norway side who reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Norway had more of the ball and seven first-half shots, but none were on target. Haaland was an isolated figure, while Wales went close two minutes before the break.

Then it turned. Joe Rodon headed away Julian Ryerson’s corner on 59 minutes, and Nusa beat Daniel James on the edge of the area to fire into the bottom corner.

Nine minutes later, Haaland squared for substitute Schjelderup to finish from close range, just two minutes after he had come on. The goal survived a VAR check for offside.

Wales did not fold. Brooks, on as a substitute, played a one-two with Harry Wilson and lifted a lovely chip over Egil Selvik on 79 minutes.

For a few minutes there was real belief. But Connor Roberts pushed Schjelderup over in the box, and Haaland sent Karl Darlow the wrong way from the spot on 88 minutes.

That made it 66 goals in 60 caps for Haaland. His 23rd Nations League goal extends the competition record.

What the Norway result means for the table

Norway have now avenged their 2-1 defeat in Cardiff in October and moved up to third on six points. Wales are bottom on three.

Denmark, who thrashed Portugal 4-1 in Braga later on Saturday, are second on nine. Portugal top the group on 12.

Even a win over Portugal would not lift Wales off the bottom. They could draw level with Norway on six points, but Norway have the better head-to-head record after winning 3-1 in Oslo and losing 2-1 in Cardiff.

Before the trip, we set out why Oslo could decide Wales’ League A fate, and so it has proved.

Bellamy admitted missing out on pot one hurt. “We wanted to be in pot one. That was the drive,” he said. The Euro 2028 qualifying draw takes place in Belfast on Sunday 6 December, and qualifying starts in March 2027.

How Wales can stay in League A

Finishing bottom does not mean automatic relegation. In League A, the two lowest-ranked fourth-placed teams across the four groups go straight down. The other two fourth-placed sides join the two lowest-ranked third-placed teams in play-offs against League B runners-up.

According to PA, a draw against Portugal would guarantee Wales a play-off. It would be played over two legs in March, with Wales at home in the second leg.

Portugal on Tuesday and the bigger picture

Wales host Portugal at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, with kick-off at 7.45pm. The holders are already through to the quarter-finals but missed the chance to secure top spot with that heavy defeat to Denmark.

Wales will be without Ethan Ampadu, whose late booking in Oslo rules him out of the Portugal game, the FAW confirmed. That is a big loss in midfield.

The game still matters for Wales. Points and goal difference could decide whether they are among the better bottom sides in League A, and a good night would give Bellamy something to build on before March.

There were positives in Oslo. Rodon started after a hamstring injury that had kept him out since the end of August, and Bellamy praised the impact of his substitutes.

“I thought there were huge parts of the game where we played really well,” Bellamy told BBC Match of the Day Wales.

The worry is the pattern. Wales have lost five of their last six games in all competitions. They played well for long spells in Norway but could not match their hosts’ cutting edge once the game opened up.

The bones of a good team are there. Finishing bottom is a setback, but Wales still have a route to preserving their League A status. Tuesday is now about pride, points and finding the goals that went missing in Oslo.

You can follow all our coverage on the Dave football hub.

Wales Nations League: FAQ

What was the score in Norway vs Wales?
Norway won 3-1 in Oslo. Antonio Nusa, Andreas Schjelderup and Erling Haaland (penalty) scored, with David Brooks replying for Wales.

Will Wales be relegated from Nations League A?
Not automatically. Wales will finish bottom of Group A4, but the two best fourth-placed teams in League A go into a relegation play-off in March rather than going straight down.

When do Wales play Portugal?
Tuesday 17 November at Cardiff City Stadium, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

Is Ethan Ampadu suspended against Portugal?
Yes. His late booking in Oslo rules him out of Tuesday’s game.

When is the Euro 2028 qualifying draw?
Sunday 6 December in Belfast. Qualifying starts in March 2027.