Portugal meet Republic of Ireland in a massive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Qualifying Group F.
Victory will move Portugal onto the cusp of securing automatic qualification for the main tournament, whilst Ireland can go second with a win if Hungary beat Armenia but with a worse goal difference than in their game.
Team News
Portugal will be without Joao Neves after the midfielder withdrew from the squad due to injury.
Ireland will be without Sammie Szmodics (ankle) and Callum O’Dowda (unspecified), with Will Ferry called up as the sole replacement.
Liam Scales meanwhile hasn’t travelled due to personal circumstances and has been replaced by Jimmy Dunne, who will remain with the squad for the home clash against Armenia on 14 October despite Scales’ return for that game/
When is Kick-Off?
Portugal host Ireland on Saturday 11 October at Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon, in a 7:45pm BST kick-off, live on Amazon in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Portugal are yet to lose to Ireland in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (W1, D3).
- Ireland are yet to beat Portugal away in FIFA World Cup Qualifying despite having denied their hosts a clean sheet on Portuguese soil in their two previous such trips (D1, L1).
- Two of Portugal’s three draws against Ireland in FIFA World Cup Qualifying ended in 1-1 draws, whilst their most recent such meeting ended in a 0-0 result in November 2021.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored three goals in Portugal’s two qualifiers so far in this Qualifying Group (W2).
- Evan Ferguson has scored in each of Ireland’s two qualifiers within this Qualifying Group (D1, L1).
Prediction
Having battled past Hungary in their last outing after a ruthless 5-0 display in Armenia, Portugal certainly are beatable if their defence can’t hang onto the lead like it couldn’t in Budapest until Joao Cancelo’s late winner, but their attack however looks unstoppable such the quality and depth.
Ireland meanwhile realistically need to avoid defeat because if they lose here and Armenia beat Hungary, any hope of a play-off spot will look incredibly unlikely for the Irish unless they win their three remaining qualifiers – which is a tough ask for them given their leaky defence.
Portugal though haven’t exactly had it easy against the Irish in previous World Cup qualifiers and given the vulnerable defences of both teams, I expect Ireland to mount a decent fight but Portugal should be too strong eventually.
Prediction: Portugal 3-1 ROI
Result: Portugal 1-0 ROI