Portugal Clash with Ireland: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups and Match Breakdown
A pair of victories for Portugal in October could be sufficient to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup, beginning with their clash against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday evening.
Roberto Martinez's squad has underwhelmed at major competitions, yet they continue to be among the globe's most gifted teams and will be considered contenders to claim the title in North America next summer.
The UEFA Nations League titleholders began their qualification journey with triumphs over Armenia and Hungary in September, with João Cancelo's decisive late goal against Hungary preserving their perfect start.
Ireland face challenging circumstances and appear unlikely to reach their first World Cup since 2002 following their 2–1 loss to Armenia in their previous match. FIFA's 61st-ranked team hasn't defeated Portugal since 2005, and it would be a massive shock if they could leave Lisbon with points on Saturday evening.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of this World Cup qualifying encounter.
What Time Does Portugal vs. Ireland Kick-Off?
Portugal vs. Ireland Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Portugal | Ireland |
|---|---|
Hungary 2–3 Portugal - 09/09/25 | Armenia 2–1 Ireland - 09/09/25 |
Armenia 0–5 Portugal - 06/09/25 | Ireland 2–2 Hungary - 06/09/25 |
Portugal 2–2 (5–3p) Spain - 08/06/25 | Luxembourg 0–0 Ireland - 10/06/25 |
Germany 1–2 Portugal - 04/06/25 | Ireland 1–1 Senegal - 06/06/25 |
Portugal 5–2 Denmark - 23/03/25 | Ireland 2–1 Bulgaria - 23/03/25 |
How to Watch Portugal vs. Ireland on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | fuboTV, Amazon Prime Video, Fubo Sports Network, ViX, Tubi |
United Kingdom | Amazon Prime Video |
Canada | DAZN Canada, Amazon Prime Video |
Mexico | Sky+, Sky Sports Mexico |
Portugal Team News
Martinez's squad selection contained few surprises, with João Cancelo being the sole absentee due to injury from the September roster. Nélson Semedo, Matheus Nunes and Rafael Leão have all returned to the fold.
Portugal's ability is unquestionable, and Martinez's focus on consistency should benefit them for next summer's World Cup, provided they secure qualification.
Following the 3–2 triumph over Hungary previously, we expect António Silva to replace Rúben Neves at center-back, though the impressive Renato Veiga and Sporting CP's Gonçalo Inácio remain viable alternatives.
The Paris Saint-Germain partnership of Vitinha and João Neves should feature in midfield, while 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo will spearhead the attack once more.
Portugal Predicted Lineup vs. Ireland
Portugal predicted lineup vs Ireland (4-2-3-1): Costa; Semedo, Silva, Dias, Mendes; Vitinha, J. Neves; B. Silva, Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo.
Ireland Team News
Heimir Hallgrímsson selected a 24-man roster for Ireland's upcoming qualifiers, but has already been compelled to make an alteration. Celtic's Liam Scales has withdrawn due to injury and been substituted by Queen's Park Rangers' Jimmy Dunne.
Matt Doherty is also unavailable, though Séamus Coleman returns to the squad for the first time in over twelve months. Jason Knight and Bosun Lawal remain on the sidelines.
Troy Parrott was absent from Ireland's September fixtures but has overcome his fitness issues in time for the next international window. The AZ forward is thriving in the Netherlands but has experienced an interrupted beginning to 2025–26.
Ireland Predicted Lineup vs. Portugal
Ireland predicted lineup vs. Portugal (3-4-2-1): Kelleher; O'Brien, O'Shea, Collins; Ogbene; Cullen, Smallbone, Manning; Taylor, Azaz; Ferguson.
Portugal vs. Ireland Score Prediction
A 2–2 stalemate with Hungary was quite acceptable, but Ireland's loss to Armenia may have severely damaged their qualification hopes already. They face an uphill battle, with their most difficult test approaching.
The quality difference is evident, and Portugal should have no trouble dominating a match of this nature. They're anticipated to claim victory in their next two home qualifiers and potentially secure their place in next summer's tournament with matches remaining.