As Portugal continues their push for automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, the October international window features two home matches in Group F. Portugal Predicted XI Lineups against the Republic of Ireland on October 11, 2025, at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon (kick-off 7:45 PM CEST / 1:45 PM EDT / 10:45 AM PDT / 4:45 AM AEDT on October 12), and against Hungary on October 14, 2025, at the same venue (same times).
Under manager Roberto Martínez, Portugal remains unbeaten in qualifiers so far, topping the group with strong performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers.
Key team news includes the withdrawal of PSG midfielder João Neves due to injury, but stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Rafael Leão are available.
Nélson Semedo, Matheus Nunes, and Rafael Leão return to the Portugal Predicted XI Lineups, adding depth. With a 25-man roster blending experience and youth, expect tactical flexibility in a preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Portugal Predicted XI Lineups vs Ireland (October 11, 2025)
Table of Contents
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa (FC Porto)
- Defenders: Nélson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Renato Veiga (Chelsea), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Midfielders: Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal); Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), João Félix (Chelsea)
- Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
This Portugal vs Ireland lineup emphasizes defensive solidity with Dias anchoring the backline, while the attacking trio behind Ronaldo provides creativity.
Expect Semedo and Veiga to start for fresh legs, given Neves’ absence. Substitutes like Diogo Dalot, Rafael Leão, and Diogo Jota could feature if rotation is needed.
Portugal Predicted XI Lineups vs Hungary (October 14, 2025)
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa (FC Porto)
- Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Midfielders: João Palhinha (Bayern Munich), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain); Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Rafael Leão (AC Milan)
- Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
With a quick turnaround, Martínez may rotate slightly: Dalot for Semedo at right-back, Inácio partnering Dias in central defense, and Conceição and Leão adding width in attack.
Palhinha’s inclusion bolsters midfield against Hungary’s physical style. Potential changes include Pedro Neto or Gonçalo Ramos if Ronaldo is rested, though he’s expected to start both.
These predictions are based on current form, squad availability, and tactical preferences. Portugal’s depth makes them favorites, with bookmakers predicting comfortable wins (e.g., 2-0 vs Ireland, 3-1 vs Hungary).
Who Will Be Part of the Squad:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr): The 40-year-old captain is the focal point, with three qualifier goals already and four career strikes against Ireland. Expected to start both matches.
Rafael Leão (AC Milan): Returns after a minor knock, adding explosive pace on the left wing. His dribbling could unlock Ireland’s defense.
Nélson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers): Back from suspension
