Ireland vs Portugal Preview, Predictions, Team News – 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers

Ireland vs Portugal at Aviva Stadium on Thursday, November 13, 2025, for a crucial Group F World Cup qualifier in Dublin.

Roberto Martínez’s Portugal leads Group F with 10 points and can secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup with a victory, while the Boys in Green sit third with 4 points and desperately need a result to maintain their slim playoff qualification hopes.

This rematch comes just a month after Portugal’s heartbreaking 1-0 away win in Lisbon courtesy of Rúben Neves’ 91st-minute goal.

Ronaldo’s Squad came close to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, and with a November Window match victory, the Portugal team will now join the list of 2026 World Cup teams.

Ireland vs Portugal Match Information, Prediction, H2H and Where to Watch

Portugal’s Championship Push:

Roberto Martínez’s Navegadores sit five points clear at the top with 10 points from 4 matches and remain unbeaten in their last 7 international fixtures (5 wins, 2 draws).

Portugal’s campaign featured dominant victories over Armenia (5-0) and Hungary (3-2) before a 2-2 draw at home to Hungary last month when they conceded a 91st-minute equalizer.

The Nations League champions demonstrated clinical finishing with 11 goals scored and elite defensive organization with just 4 conceded. A victory over Ireland would secure their qualification with a final group match remaining.

Ireland’s Desperation:

The Boys in Green have won just 1 of 4 World Cup qualifiers after an embarrassing 2-1 loss to Armenia in Yerevan in September sparked calls for manager Heimir Hallgrímsson’s dismissal.

Ireland bounced back with a crucial 1-0 victory over 10-man Armenia at home with Evan Ferguson’s goal, then suffered a heartbreaking stoppage-time loss to Portugal in Lisbon.

At 4 points, Ireland sit third and must avoid defeat while hoping Hungary stumbles against Armenia to maintain ultra-slim playoff hopes.

Ireland Last 5 Matches

Portugal Last 5 Matches

Head to Head – Ireland vs Portugal

Portugal dominate the head-to-head record with 7 wins, 5 draws, and just 2 Irish victories across 14 meetings.

Portugal remain unbeaten in their last 5 encounters (4 wins, 1 draw), winning all last meetings against Ireland at Aviva Stadium since a goalless draw in November 2021.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 4 goals against Ireland but never found the net in Dublin, presenting an intriguing subplot.

Current Team News of Ireland vs Portugal

Ireland Team News:

Manager Hallgrímsson faces critical absences with Evan Ferguson (ankle injury—3 of Ireland’s 4 World Cup qualifying goals) ruled out. 

Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby are suspended after second yellow cards against Armenia, while Sammie Szmodics, Mark Sykes, and Callum O’Dowda are injured.

Young Celtic striker Johnny Kenny has been drafted into the squad for potential debut. Adam Idah and Troy Parrott compete to lead the attack in Ferguson’s absence. Captain Séamus Coleman approaches his 76th cap for the hosts.

Portugal Team News:

Roberto Martínez is without midfielder Bruno Fernandes (suspended due to yellow card accumulation) and left-back Nuno Mendes (injury). Pedro Neto withdrew with a groin injury.

Cristiano Ronaldo (5 goals in 4 qualifiers, 9 in Saudi Pro League) leads the attack seeking his first Dublin goal.

Bernardo Silva wins his 106th cap with Rafael Leão, Francisco Conceição, and Francisco Trincão providing attacking depth.

Current Possible Starting Lineups Ireland vs Portugal

Ireland Predicted XI (3-4-2-1):

• Kelleher; O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Smallbone, Ogbene; Ebosele, Azaz; Idah

Portugal Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):

• Costa; Dalot, Rúben Dias, António Silva, Cancelo; Rúben Neves, João Neves; Bernardo Silva, João Félix, Rafael Leão; Ronaldo

Key Players

Ireland Key Players:

• Adam Idah: With 6 international goals all at Aviva, the Swansea forward leads attack in Ferguson’s absence​
• Séamus Coleman: Captain providing leadership and experience in his 76th appearance​
• Josh Cullen: Midfielder returns from suspension to add midfield control​
• Caoimhín Kelleher: Goalkeeper saved a Ronaldo penalty in Lisbon and provides shot-stopping expertise​

Portugal Key Players:

• Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 qualifying goals with 4 against Ireland but zero in Dublin—seeking historic breakthrough​
• Rúben Neves: Scored the dramatic 91st-minute winner in Lisbon and provided crucial late-game moments​
• Bernardo Silva: 106-cap veteran offering creative midfield support​
• Rafael Leão: Pacy winger provides left-flank attacking threat

Match Prediction

Portugal head into the match as clear favorites to clinch World Cup qualification. Boasting a stronger squad, rock-solid defense with just four goals conceded, an unbeaten run, and the confidence from their recent win in Lisbon, they hold all the cards.

Ireland, meanwhile, is hampered by an injury crisis—most notably the absence of Ferguson, suspensions to key midfielders, and ongoing defensive issues, leaving them at a distinct disadvantage.

However, Ireland’s home record (unbeaten in 5 at Aviva, 3 wins/2 draws) and desperate motivation to stay alive provide hope. The goal-scoring deficit favors Portugal (11 vs 4), but Ireland’s defensive organization could frustrate the visitors for periods.​

• Predicted Score: Ireland 0-2 Portugal

Group F Standings

Where to watch the Ireland vs Portugal European qualifier match

• Ireland: RTÉ 2
• United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video PPV
• United States: Fox Sports, fuboTV​
• Canada: DAZN Canada
• Time: 19:45 GMT / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT (November 13, 2025)