Cristiano Ronaldo starts in the Portuguese team against Ireland, this Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 4:45 pm (Brasília time) or 8:45 pm (local time), at the Aviva Stadium, in Dublin. The clash is part of the fifth round of Group F of the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with Portugal aiming to confirm a direct place in the World Cup. Ireland is looking for points to advance to the play-offs.
Coach Roberto Martínez confirmed the captain’s presence in the attack, alongside Bernardo Silva and João Félix. The broadcast will be carried out by Sportv, with arbitration by Glenn Nyberg.
Portugal leads the group with 10 points from five games, including a recent draw with Hungary. Ireland have four points after victory over Armenia.
Ronaldo’s confirmed presence
At the age of 40, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 41 goals in world qualifiers, a historic record. He is looking to break the taboo of not scoring as a visitor against Ireland, on his fourth attempt.
The player has 953 official goals in his career and is aiming for a thousand goals. Martínez praises Ronaldo’s physical form, essential for quick transitionsjokes.
Irish defensive formation
Heimir Hallgrímsson adopts a 5-3-2 formation to neutralize the Portuguese attack. Caoimhin Kelleher guards the goal, with Seamus Coleman, Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien and Liam Scales bringing up the rear.
In the middle, Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor and Finn Azaz control the pace, while Chiedozie Ogbene and Troy Parrott finish. Replacements like Gavin Bazunu and John Egan await.
The strategy aims to press high in the first minutes. Ireland scored just three goals in four group games.
Portugal offensive scheme
Roberto Martínez bets on 4-3-3 to dominate possession of the ball. Diogo Costa defends, with Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio and João Cancelo in defense.
The midfield features João Neves, Vitinha and Rúben Neves, feeding Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix. Portugal scored 11 goals in the qualifiers.
- Absences in Ireland: Evan Ferguson (injured), Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning (suspended).
- For Portugal: Bruno Fernandes (suspended), Nuno Mendes and Pedro Neto (injured).
- Expected cards: Average of 3.28 per Ireland game.
Performance in Group F
Portugal beat Ireland 1-0 in the first leg, in October. The Portuguese have three wins and a draw in the bracket.
Hungary, with five points, plays against Armenia today. Portuguese victory seals direct classification.
The group includes Armenia, Hungary, Portugal and Ireland, with leaders advancing to the World Cup and runners-up to the play-offs.
Individual Highlights
Seamus Coleman, Irish captain, reaches 76 appearances for the national team. Troy Parrott, with 13 goals for the club, leads the local attack. Festy Ebosele reinforces the wings after good performances.
Bernardo Silva has 106 appearances for Portugal. Ronaldo chases record number of World Cup appearances, with five editions.
The record favors the Portuguese, with 10 victories in 17 duels against Ireland.
Tactical command approach
Hallgrímsson prioritizes counterattacks, averaging 40% possession in 2025. Ireland have drawn three of their last five games.
Martínez focuses on 65% ball control, with high pressure. Training in Dublin tested variations of the 4-3-3.
The duel can change the group’s table decisively.
Game coverage and logistics
The Aviva Stadium holds 51 thousand spectators, with tickets sold out. Fans access Globoplay for streaming.
Odds favor Portugal at 1.33 for victory. FIFA Ranking: Portugal 5th, Ireland 62nd.
