Thursday night at the Aviva Stadium brings a crucial Group F World Cup qualifier as Ireland hosts Portugal. The Boys in Green are seeking revenge after a narrow 1–0 defeat in Lisbon last month, while Portugal are eyeing a win that would virtually seal their ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Roberto Martinez’s side have been dominant in qualifying so far, picking up 10 points from games. After an unbeaten start, Portugal were held 2–2 at home by Hungary last month, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice to extend his international tally to 143 goals. At 40, Ronaldo is chasing one last World Cup appearance and will be keen to score on Irish soil for the first time.
Ireland, meanwhile, are chasing a dream return to the World Cup for the first time since 2006. They earned a morale-boosting 1–0 win over 10-man Armenia last month thanks to Evan Ferguson, though the on-loan Roma striker is now sidelined with an ankle injury. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men know a strong performance is essential, especially with Hungary’s results still in play. Republic of Ireland vs Portugal: Key Stats
📊 Head-to-head: Ireland 1 win, Portugal 4 wins, 1 draw
📊 Ireland: Unbeaten in last 5 home matches vs Portugal
📊 Portugal: Unbeaten in 10 away WC qualifiers
📊 Portugal: 27 undefeated games in last 29 encounters (all comps)
📊 Ireland: Won only 1 of last 7 home league games
Predicted Lineups
Republic of Ireland (4-4-2): Kelleher; O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Johnston; Ebosele, Azaz; Parrott
Portugal (4-3-3): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao
Players and Matchups to Watch
🔹 Bruno Fernandes – Midfield engine and set-piece threat for Portugal.
🔹 Troy Parrott – Ireland’s attacking hope in Ferguson’s absence.
🔹 Bernardo Silva – Creative spark likely to dictate Portugal’s tempo.
🔹 Rafael Leao – Quick, direct, and dangerous in transition.
Odds Market on MSport
💵 Draw: 3.60
💵 Portugal to win: 1.45
💵 Over 2.5 Goals: 1.85
💵 Ronaldo Anytime Goalscorer: 1.85
💵 Parrott Anytime Goalscorer: 5.50
Portugal have the experience, firepower, and motivation to secure qualification early, but Ireland’s home record and desperation could make this a tense, cagey affair. Expect Portugal to dominate possession, while Ireland may rely on counter-attacks and set-pieces for a shock.
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