Portugal are near sealing their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification as they journey to face Republic of Eire on the Aviva Stadium on Thursday night time, Softfootball studies.
Final month, Portugal surrendered a 2-0 lead to attract 2-2 towards Hungary however are eager to wrap up qualification from Group F with a victory tomorrow night time. Al Nassr ahead, Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the brace towards Hungary to turn out to be the all-time high goalscorer in World Cup qualifying with 41 objectives and prolong his file worldwide objective tally to 143 in 235 appearances.
Portugal are already buzzing with their two remaining fixtures as they shared on their official X deal with. Roberto Martinez’s males whill face Eire on Thursday earlier than enjoying Armenia on Sunday. The submit learn:
𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗔 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗖̧𝗔̃𝗢 📲🇵🇹 Chegou o calendário de Novembro! 👀#FazHistória | #WCQ & #Navegadoras pic.twitter.com/EvifUDvdAL
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 7, 2025
Head-to-Head
The final time these two confronted themselves, it took a 91st-minute objective from Ruben Neves handy Portugal the win and the Boys in Inexperienced are out for revenge within the reverse fixture.
Since 2005, Eire and Portugal have met six instances with Selecao profitable 4, drawing one and shedding one. With simply two video games left in Groug F, Eire will hope they’ll beat Portugal on Thursday to offer themselves a combating likelihood of creating it to the World Cup.
Star participant
Republic of Eire’s star man is Caoimhin Kelleher. The previous Liverpool shot-stopper has been unbelievable for the house aspect since he joined the nationwide workforce and has loved nice type for Brentford within the premier league this season.
Cristiano Ronald perhaps 40 years outdated now however he’s nonetheless the star participant for Portugal and on this new season, he has already scored 9 objectives in eight league appearances this marketing campaign. Ronaldo has already confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup might be his final. He’s on a mission to succeed in 1000 profession objectives.
Group Information
Eire might be with out topscorer, Evan Ferguson, who has scored three of the Republic of Eire’s 4 objectives in World Cup qualifying thus far as a result of an ankle harm and he’s uncertain for Sunday’s conflict with Hungary.
Sammie Szmodics, Mark Sykes and Callum O’Dowda are additionally sidelined with accidents, whereas Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby are each suspended however might be accessible for choice towards Hungary. Celtic striker, Johnny Kenny perhaps set for his worldwide debut, whereas Troy Parrott and Adam Idah are additionally in rivalry to start out up entrance within the absence of Ferguson.
Chelsea’s Pedro Neto and Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Goncalves have withdrawn from the Portugal squad with groin and muscle accidents respectively. Manchester Metropolis midfielder, Bernardo Silva is about to start out alongside Rafael Leao whereas Francisco Conceicao, Francisco Trincao and uncapped Carlos Forbs might all battle for a beginning shirt.
Republic of Eire possible XI:
Kelleher; O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Johnston; Ebosele, Azaz; Parrott
Portugal possible XI:
Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao
It will likely be a troublesome recreation however Portugal will need to have learnt their classes after dropping factors towards Hungary in October whereas Eire will attempt to keep defensively stable and search for the odd objective. Eire 0-2 Portugal.
