Portugal are close to sealing their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification as they travel to face Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday night, Softfootball reports.
Last month, Portugal surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against Hungary but are keen to wrap up qualification from Group F with a victory tomorrow night. Al Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the brace against Hungary to become the all-time top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying with 41 goals and extend his record international goal tally to 143 in 235 appearances.
Portugal are already buzzing with their two remaining fixtures as they shared on their official X handle. Roberto Martinez’s men whill face Ireland on Thursday before playing Armenia on Sunday. The post read:
𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗔 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗖̧𝗔̃𝗢 📲🇵🇹 Chegou o calendário de Novembro! 👀#FazHistória | #WCQ & #Navegadoras pic.twitter.com/EvifUDvdAL
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 7, 2025Head-to-Head
The last time these two faced themselves, it took a 91st-minute goal from Ruben Neves to hand Portugal the win and the Boys in Green are out for revenge in the reverse fixture.
Since 2005, Ireland and Portugal have met six times with Selecao winning four, drawing one and losing one. With just two games left in Groug F, Ireland will hope they can beat Portugal on Thursday to give themselves a fighting chance of making it to the World Cup.
Star player
Republic of Ireland’s star man is Caoimhin Kelleher. The former Liverpool shot-stopper has been fantastic for the home side since he joined the national team and has enjoyed great form for Brentford in the premier league this season.
Cristiano Ronald maybe 40 years old now but he is still the star player for Portugal and in this new season, he has already scored nine goals in eight league appearances this campaign. Ronaldo has already confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last. He is on a mission to reach 1000 career goals.
Team News
Ireland will be without topscorer, Evan Ferguson, who has scored three of the Republic of Ireland’s four goals in World Cup qualifying so far due to an ankle injury and he is doubtful for Sunday’s clash with Hungary.
Sammie Szmodics, Mark Sykes and Callum O’Dowda are also sidelined with injuries, while Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby are both suspended but will be available for selection against Hungary. Celtic striker, Johnny Kenny maybe set for his international debut, while Troy Parrott and Adam Idah are also in contention to start up front in the absence of Ferguson.
Chelsea’s Pedro Neto and Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Goncalves have withdrawn from the Portugal squad with groin and muscle injuries respectively. Manchester City midfielder, Bernardo Silva is set to start alongside Rafael Leao while Francisco Conceicao, Francisco Trincao and uncapped Carlos Forbs could all battle for a starting shirt.
Republic of Ireland probable XI:
Kelleher; O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Johnston; Ebosele, Azaz; Parrott
Portugal probable XI:
Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao
Softfootball Prediction
It will be a tough game but Portugal must have learnt their lessons after dropping points against Hungary in October while Ireland will try and stay defensively solid and look for the odd goal. Ireland 0-2 Portugal.
