Ireland Battles Portugal in Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier Showdown: Match Preview, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Portugal commence the decisive phase of their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign on Thursday with an away fixture against the Republic of Ireland.
The away team sits comfortably at the summit of Group F and requires only two points from their remaining two matches to secure qualification for what Cristiano Ronaldo has already confirmed will be his last World Cup appearance—provided Portugal makes it through.
They will aim to complete the task at the first opportunity when they visit an Irish team that still harbors qualification hopes. However, Heimir Hallgrímsson's squad could see their aspirations dashed if they lose to Portugal while Hungary defeats bottom-placed Armenia.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of this World Cup qualifying encounter.
What Time Does Ireland vs. Portugal Kick Off?
Ireland vs. Portugal Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Ireland | Portugal |
|---|---|
Ireland 1–0 Armenia - 10/14/25 | Portugal 2–2 Hungary - 10/14/25 |
Portugal 1–0 Ireland - 10/11/25 | Portugal 1–0 Ireland - 10/11/25 |
Armenia 2–1 Ireland - 09/09/25 | Hungary 2–3 Portugal - 09/09/25 |
Ireland 2–2 Hungary - 09/06/25 | Armenia 0–5 Portugal - 06/09/25 |
Luxembourg 0–0 Ireland - 06/10/25 | Portugal 2–2 (5–3p) Spain - 06/08/25 |
How to Watch Ireland vs. Portugal on TV
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | fuboTV, ViX |
United Kingdom | Amazon Prime Video |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | Sky+, Sky Sports Mexico |
Ireland Team News
Roma loanee Evan Ferguson has been sidelined with an ankle problem and is absent from the squad along with Sammie Szmodics, Mark Sykes and Callum O'Dowda.
Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby are both completing one-match bans but will hope to rejoin the squad for the Hungary encounter, when Ireland's World Cup ambitions could remain intact if they manage a favorable outcome here.
Ireland Predicted Lineup vs. Portugal
Ireland predicted lineup vs. Portugal (3-4-2-1): Kelleher; O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Johnston; Ebosele, Azaz; Parrott.
Portugal Team News
Portugal have been without attacking pair Pedro Neto and Pedro Gonçalves due to injuries, with both players returning to their respective clubs Chelsea and Sporting CP.
The prolific Cristiano Ronaldo will spearhead the attack as he seeks to extend his record collection of 143 international strikes.
Portugal Predicted Lineup vs. Ireland
Portugal predicted lineup vs Ireland (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inácio, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Bernardo, Fernandes, Leão; Ronaldo.
Ireland vs. Portugal Score Prediction
When these teams clashed last month, Portugal had to wait until the 91st minute for a decisive goal which their commanding display thoroughly warranted. They controlled over 70% of possession and registered 30 shots compared to Ireland's 2.
Portugal are clear favorites in this encounter, but their previous meeting demonstrates Ireland's capacity to frustrate opponents and secure an unglamorous result. A stalemate would suffice for the hosts to establish a direct battle with Hungary in their following fixture.
Anticipate Ireland to target a draw, but achieving that single point appears challenging against a Portugal team eager to confirm their World Cup berth at the earliest opportunity.