Cristiano Ronaldo will continue his quest for 1000 career goals when Portugal face Republic of Ireland on Saturday, Softfootball reports.
Portugal beat Hungary 3-2 in their last 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and want to consolidate on their winning form in Group F as they welcome their guest to the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
The last time Portugal played Ireland, it was in a friendly back in June 2024 and Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a comfortable 3-0 friendly win.
Portugal believe their fans have a major role to play in the Saturday game and on their official X handle, they made it loud and clear.
O apoio dos adeptos é 𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 🫂🇵🇹
🔗 𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗦 👉 https://t.co/y5hepKApS5 #FazHistória | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/ZUpEzLBN7e
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) October 10, 2025Team News
Portugal will be without Joao Neves and Joao Cancelo due to hamstring injuries. Portugal Coach Robert Martinez called up Lazio’s Nuno Tavares as cover. But PSG’s Nuno Mendes is expected to start at left-back while Nelson Semedo and Diogo Dalot for for a place at right-back slot.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the attack as he has already scored three goals in two 2026 World Cup qualifiers. While Bruno Fernandes will anchor the midfield with Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha.
Portugal’s official X handle shared their training video. Watch here.
Golden Hour 🎥🌅#FazHistória | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/k1uohkkAco
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) October 10, 2025For Republic of Ireland, Matt Doherty, Jason Knight, Bosun Lawal, Callum O’Dowda, Sammie Szmodics will miss the match through injury.
Seamus Coleman returns to the Ireland squad for the first time since September 2024 and will compete with Chiedozie Ogbene for a starting shirt at right wing-back.
Hull City’s John Egan gets his first call-up since September 2023, but the centre-back is not expected to start ahead of Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea or Jake O’Brien.
Troy Parrott comes into the squad after missing the September window through injury.
Portugal probable XI:
Costa; Dalot, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Bernardo, Vitinha, Fernandes; Conceicao, Ronaldo, Neto
Republic of Ireland probable XI:
Kelleher; O’Brien, O’Shea, Collins; Ogbene; Cullen, Knight, Manning; Taylor, Azaz; Ferguson
Softfootball prediction
Portugal are filled with attacking talents while Ireland will try not to concede much goals. Portugal 2-0 Ireland.
