Does João Félix play today? Ireland x Portugal live this Thursday in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

João Félix starts as a starter in the Portuguese team’s attack 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 match corresponds to the fifth round of Group F of the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with Portugal looking to qualify directly for the tournament. Ireland require victory to preserve playoff aspirations.

Coach Roberto Martínez included the player in the offensive scheme, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva. The broadcast takes place on Sportv, under the command of referee Glenn Nyberg.

Portugal leads the group with 10 points from five matches, recording three wins and one draw. Ireland accumulates four points, after beating Armenia in the previous round.

Félix’s position in the scheme

João Félix, 26 years old, has played 45 games for the national team, scoring nine goals. He returns to the first team after performances in recent friendlies.

The striker has four assists in the current qualifiers. Martínez highlights Félix’s versatility to create plays for thethe ends.

Irish defensive setup

Heimir Hallgrímsson maintains the 5-3-2 formation to balance the match. Caoimhin Kelleher occupies the goal, supported by Seamus Coleman, Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien and Liam Scales.

The midfield features Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor and Finn Azaz, with Chiedozie Ogbene and Troy Parrott up front. Reserves such as Gavin Bazunu and John Egan prepare to enter.

This setup emphasizes compact marking against the Portuguese half. Ireland have conceded seven goals in four group games.

Portuguese offensive montage

Roberto Martínez adopts the 4-3-3 to prioritize quick exchanges of passes. Diogo Costa protects the goal, with Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga and Matheus Nunes in defense.

João Palhinha, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes anchor the middle, while Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix finish. Portugal registers 11 goals in qualifying.

• Ireland casualties: Evan Ferguson (injured), Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning (suspended).
• In Portugal: Nuno Mendes and Nuno Tavares (injured), Bruno Fernandes available after previous suspension.
• Forecast: Average of 3.28 cards in Irish duels.

Advancement in Group F

Portugal beat Ireland 1-0 in the initial clash in October. The former PortugueseI have an unbeaten run in the group so far.

Hungary, with five points, will face Armenia on the same date. Portuguese success ensures passport to the World Cup.

Four teams compete in the group: Armenia, Hungary, Portugal and Ireland, with leaders qualified and runners-up in the repechage.

Central figures on the field

Seamus Coleman reaches 76 appearances as Irish captain. Troy Parrott, scorer of 13 goals for the club, guides the local offensive sector. Festy Ebosele consolidates place on the flanks after solid performances.

Bernardo Silva has played 106 games for Portugal. João Félix is ​​chasing his first World Cup, at 26 years old. The record shows 10 Portuguese triumphs in 17 direct clashes.

Commanders’ plans

Hallgrímsson emphasizes quick recoveries, with an average possession of 40% in 2025. Ireland have drawn three of their last five commitments.

Martínez dominates 65% of the ball, with intense pressure. Sessions in Dublin tweaked the 4-3-3 for tactical variations.

The result directly influences the final configuration of the table.

Display and structure details

The Aviva Stadium houses 51 thousand fans, with maximum capacity confirmed. Viewers use Globoplay for online broadcasting.

Quotes point to a preference for Portugal, with 1.33 for vis-à-vis successitant. FIFA Position: Portugal in 5th, Ireland in 62nd.