The Portugal vs Ireland clash is guaranteed to be a highly thrilling clash when the two sides clash against each other for three crucial points in their next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash on Saturday evening.
Portugal are eager to continue their unbeaten streak in the World Cup qualifiers after having won their last two qualification game, as they’re sitting comfortably on top of their World Cup qualifier group heading into their next home match.
Ireland, however, are yet to win a single group game in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers and are aiming to overturn that run by producing a shock result against Portugal, with the Portugal vs Ireland clash set to be a dramatic World Cup qualifier clash.
Match Details
Jose Alvalade Stadium
Lisbon, Portugal
11 October
19:45 BST Kickoff
A High-Scoring Battle Set To Ensure in Portugal Vs Ireland
The Portugal vs Ireland clash will be the marquee match of Group F of the World Cup Qualifiers clash because of the amount of notable talents that are on display for both teams. Portugal, who are the defending UEFA Nations League champions after defeating Spain for the title in June 2025, are obviously packed with some of the biggest football talents in the world.
They will look to use their high momentum levels to get another big win, having already scored eight goals in their two World Cup qualifiers so far.
Ireland are also blessed with some eye-catching attacking talent, including AS Roma star Evan Ferguson leading the line for them. That is why they’re likely to look to take the battle to Portugal by producing some slick counter-attacking football to grab the win.
Portugal have won three of their last five matches against Ireland, scoring 10 goals in that period and history suggests that this upcoming clash should be a high-scoring battle as well.
Record-Hunting Cristiano Ronaldo Determined To Add To Goal Tally
Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong at the age of 40 for Portugal, and he is showing no signs of slowing down before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo has had a great start to the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season, scoring four goals in as many matches for Al Nassr to help them go atop of the league table.
Ronaldo has 141 international goals to his name, but the tally that he’s really aiming to reach is the 1000 goal mark in his career. The Portugal legend has scored 946 goals in his career and is only 54 goals away from reaching that immaculate record.
He’s facing an Ireland side who have conceded four goals in their last two World Cup Qualifiers, and will be looking to continue his impressive goal run by getting to the end of chances and finishing off moves clinically to grab a big win.
Who Can Help Ireland Grab A Result Against Portugal?
Ireland will have to produce something really special to be able to get a big win over Portugal on their own yard. To do so, they will have to be defensively really strong and need to be at their ruthless best on the counterattacks as well.
Ireland are probably going to have to rely on their forwards to get the job done for them and be at their ruthless best. Evan Ferguson has had a shaky start to the 2025/26 season, being unable to score in his first five Serie A matches for Roma.
However, the 20-year-old forward can be an explosive threat at his best and will look to gain some momentum by troubling the Portuguese defenders and enhancing Ireland’s scoring chances as well as their ability to win.
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Portugal vs Ireland Injuries
Portugal injuries: Joao Neves
Ireland injuries: Callum O’Dowda, Josh Honohan
Portugal vs Ireland Predicted Lineups
Given the importance of this World Cup qualifier clash, both Roberto Martinez and Heimir Hallgrimsson will be aiming to field their strongest teams. Here are the Portugal vs Ireland clash predicted lineups:
Portugal predicted XI: Diogo Costa (GK), Diogo Dalot, Antonio Silva, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo
Ireland predicted XI: Caoimhin Kelleher (GK), Jake O’Brien, Ryan Manning, Dara O’Shea, Nathan Collins, Josh Cullen, Will Smallbone, Liam Scales, Jack Taylor, Evan Ferguson, Adam Idah
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Ball Raw Images
Recording Date: 09.09.2025