FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Ireland vs Portugal Match Preview, Prediction, Live Score & Lineups
Ireland face a must-win challenge against Group F leaders Portugal in Dublin! Portugal are cruising, needing just three points to officially book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup. The hosts, currently 3rd, are only one point behind Hungary for the play-off spot and need an immense performance to keep their qualification dreams alive.
Match Details
Round: UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, Group F, Round 9
Start Time (GMT): 19:45, Thursday, 13 November 2025
Stadium, Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
Match Information: Form and Key Stats
Head-to-Head Record (H2H):
Portugal holds a significant advantage with 10 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses in 17 prior meetings.
The last competitive fixture in Lisbon saw Portugal win 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal, though Ireland have never lost a home H2H in a major tournament qualifier (W1, D2).
Their last meeting in Dublin (2022 WCQ) ended in a 0-0 draw.
Recent Form (Last 4 World Cup Qualifiers):
Portugal: Unbeaten with 3 wins and 1 draw (WDWW, including the last-gasp 1-0 win vs Ireland). They have scored 11 goals.
Ireland: Mixed form with 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses (DWLL, including a narrow 1-0 win over Armenia in their last home match).
Key Statistics & Match Deciders:
Portugal's Qualification Drive: A win secures Portugal's spot in the 2026 World Cup, providing immense motivation for the star-studded squad.
Irish Resilience at Home: Ireland are currently on a five-game unbeaten run in Dublin (W3, D2), showcasing their ability to frustrate top teams in front of a passionate home crowd.
Missing Firepower: Ireland will be without their top scorer, Evan Ferguson, due to injury, a major blow to their attacking chances.
Portugal's Attacking Threat: Portugal has scored eight goals across their two away qualifiers in this campaign, demonstrating their versatility and attacking depth even on the road.
Absences: Portugal will be missing key midfielder Bruno Fernandes due to suspension.
Prediction
Ireland's home record and their desperation for points to catch Hungary will ensure a fiercely competitive match, likely involving a disciplined, defensive performance similar to their recent 0-0 draw in Dublin. However, Portugal's quality, depth, and the prize of qualification are too strong to ignore. While the game may be tight, Portugal's consistent goal-scoring and the absence of Evan Ferguson for Ireland should ultimately be the deciding factors.
Prediction: Portugal to win 2-1.
