Get ready for an in-depth preview of the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifier clash between Ireland and Portugal, covering predictions and likely lineups.
Portugal will seek to seal their 2026 World Cup qualification with a win against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, where the home side must secure a positive result to keep their own qualification hopes alive.
Portugal begins the final push for 2026 World Cup qualification on Thursday with a trip to face the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, according to a report from Sports Illustrated.
The visitors sit atop Group F and need just two points from their final two games to qualify for what Cristiano Ronaldo has “already admitted will be his final World Cup tournament—assuming Portugal qualify.”
Portugal enters the match as the “obvious favorites,” having won four of the last five head-to-head encounters, including a narrow 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture last month.
That match saw Portugal dominate with over 70% possession and a 30–2 shot advantage, proving Ireland’s ability to frustrate their opponents.
For Ireland, the path is much steeper, as their qualification dreams “could, however, be crushed here if they fall to Portugal and Hungary beat bottom-side Armenia.”
Ireland’s squad faces key absences: Roma loanee Evan Ferguson is out with an ankle injury, and midfielders Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby are suspended.
Troy Parrott is expected to lead the line, while Portugal must cope without injured attacking duo Pedro Neto and Pedro Gonçalves.
Despite the injuries, Portugal is determined to wrap up their World Cup spot as soon as possible.