Portugal travel to Dublin to face Ireland in a crucial UEFA World Cup 2026 qualifier, knowing that victory will seal their place at next year’s tournament in North America.
With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line, Roberto Martínez’s unbeaten side look to continue their dominant run in Group F — while Ireland aim for a historic upset at the Aviva Stadium.
Match Overview: Ireland vs Portugal, Group F
- Fixture: Ireland vs Portugal
- Competition: UEFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier – Group F
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
- Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
- Kick-off: 7:45 PM local / 19:45 GMT
- FIFA Ranking: Portugal – 5th | Ireland – 53rd
Portugal (3-1-0) enter the clash five points clear atop the group, while Ireland (1-1-2) still have a mathematical chance of reaching the playoffs if they secure two victories from their remaining fixtures.
Group F Standings (Two Matches Remaining)
| Team | Points | Played |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 10 | 4 |
| Hungary | 5 | 4 |
| Ireland | 4 | 4 |
| Armenia | 3 | 4 |
Portugal are within touching distance of securing their seventh consecutive World Cup appearance, having featured in every edition since 2002.
Qualification Scenarios: What Each Team Needs
Scenario 1 – Portugal win:
If Portugal beat Ireland, they’ll move to 13 points and clinch direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Scenario 2 – Portugal draw both matches:
Two draws (against Ireland and Armenia) would still guarantee first place with 12 points.
Scenario 3 – Portugal lose twice:
If Portugal were to lose both matches and Hungary win their remaining fixtures, Hungary could leapfrog them with 11 points.
Ireland could also reach 10 points if they win twice — potentially creating a three-way battle decided by goal difference.
All group winners across Europe qualify automatically, while runners-up enter the UEFA playoffs in March 2026.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
- Portugal Form: W – W – W – W – D
- Ireland Form: D – D – L – L – W
This will be the 18th meeting between the nations.
- Portugal wins: 10
- Ireland wins: 4
- Draws: 3
Ireland’s last victory came in 2005, while Portugal have won three of the last four encounters.
The most recent meeting in Lisbon (October 2025) ended 1-0 to Portugal thanks to Rúben Neves’s stoppage-time goal, after Ronaldo had a penalty saved.
Portugal’s Road So Far: Ronaldo Still Leading from the Front
Portugal remain unbeaten in Group F despite a frustrating 2-2 draw with Hungary last month, where Dominik Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time equaliser delayed their qualification celebrations.
Manager Roberto Martínez has praised his team’s consistency but urged focus:
“November is always a difficult stage. Even so, our focus is on qualifying for the World Cup. We have to improve, especially in the final 20 minutes of games.”
Ireland’s Challenge: Fighting for Hope
For Ireland, this fixture is about keeping their qualification hopes alive.
They haven’t appeared at a World Cup since Germany 2006, and must now produce a near-perfect finish in Group F.
Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson acknowledged the pressure:
“We’ll know what we need before kickoff, but it won’t change our approach. We may need to take calculated risks as the game progresses.”
Team News: Injuries and Suspensions
🇵🇹 Portugal
- Pedro Neto (Chelsea): Withdrawn with groin injury.
- Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting CP): Out for a month due to muscle strain.
- Rafael Leão likely replaces Neto on the left wing.
- Cristiano Ronaldo will captain the side, seeking his first goal in Dublin after four goalless appearances there.
Predicted Portugal Line-Up:
Costa (GK); Cancelo, Dias, Inácio, Mendes; Fernandes, Vitinha, Neves; Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Leão.
🇮🇪 Ireland
- Evan Ferguson (Brighton) out with ankle injury — a major blow as he’s scored 3 of Ireland’s 4 qualifying goals.
- Callum O’Dowda, Mark Sykes, Sammie Szmodics all unavailable through injury.
- Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby suspended.
Predicted Ireland Line-Up:
Kelleher (GK); O’Brien, O’Shea, Collins; Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Johnston; Ebosele, Azaz; Parrott.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Confirmed Final World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s all-time leading international scorer (143 goals), confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final major tournament.
“Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old,” Ronaldo said. “I’ve given everything for football over the last 25 years. Now it’s time to enjoy every moment.”
If Portugal win in Dublin, Ronaldo will become the first European male player to qualify for six consecutive World Cups, an unprecedented record in international football.
Match Preview and Prediction
Portugal enter as clear favorites, boasting superior quality, experience, and squad depth.
Ireland, however, have proven resilient at home and will look to exploit set-pieces and defensive discipline to frustrate the visitors.
Prediction: Ireland 1 – 2 Portugal
Expect Ronaldo or Bruno Fernandes to make the difference as Portugal secure their World Cup berth.
🏆 Key Match Facts
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Kick-off: 19:45 GMT, November 13 2025
- Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)
- Portugal unbeaten: 4 matches in Group F
- Ireland winless in last 3 matches
- Ronaldo: 143 international goals
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