Lineup confirmed for Ireland x Portugal live this Thursday in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

The Portuguese football team faces Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, in Dublin, this Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 4:45 pm (Brasília time) or 8:45 pm (local time). The game counts for the ninth round of Group F of the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Portugal is looking for victory to guarantee direct qualification to the tournament, while Ireland needs the result to maintain its chances of playoffs.

The lineups were announced hours before the match, with coach Roberto Martínez opting for an offensive scheme for the Portuguese. The broadcast takes place on the Sportv channel. Referee Glenn Nyberg commands the duel.

Portugal leads the group with 10 points, unbeaten in four games. Ireland has four points and is coming off a victory over Armenia.

Ireland tactical formation

Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson chose 5-3-2 for the match, prioritizing defensive solidity. Caoimhin Kelleher defends the goal, with Seamus Coleman, Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien and Liam Scales in the back five. In midfield, Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor and Finn Azaz organize the play, while Chiedozie Ogbene and Troy Parrott play up front.

This configuration reflects the strategy of containing the Portuguese attack. Substitutes include Gavin Bazunu and John Egan.

Portugal offensive line-up

Roberto Martínez confirmed the 4-3-3 to explore speed on the wings. Diogo Costa is in the arch, protected by Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio and Nuno Mendes. The midfield has João Neves, Vitinha and Rúben Neves, with Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix in attack.

Ronaldo, captain, scored five goals in the qualifiers. The team is aiming for its ninth consecutive qualifying victory.

• Main absences: Evan Ferguson (injured) and Jayson Molumby (suspended) for Ireland.
• For Portugal: Bruno Fernandes (suspended) and Nuno Tavares (injured).
• Expectation: Average of 3.28 cards per game in Irish clashes.

Recent group history

Portugal beat Ireland 1-0 in the first leg in October. The Portuguese have three wins and a draw in Group F.

Hungary, vice-leader, faces Armenia on the same day. A Portuguese triumph guarantees a direct place.

Ireland depends on the Hungarian victory and stumble to dream of playoffs. The group has four teams: Armenia, Hungary, Portugal and Ireland.

Featured Players

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the Portuguese attack with experience in World Cups. The 40-year-old player is looking for a record number of appearances at the World Cup. Bernardo Silva completes 106 games for the national team.

For Ireland, Seamus Coleman makes 76 appearances as captain. Troy Parrott, with 13 goals for the club, assumes the role of offensive reference.

Festy Ebosele gains space on the wings, after good performances. Josh Cullen anchors the midfield, with 25 international appearances.

The clash marks the 18th meeting between the teams, with 10 Portuguese victories.

Coach Strategies

Heimir Hallgrímsson focuses on quick transitions to surprise. Ireland kept games even in 2025, with tight scores.

Roberto Martínez bets on ball possession, an average of 65% in the qualifiers. Portugal scored 11 goals in four games.

Both teams tested formations in recent training sessions. The match can define the direction of the group.

Transmission and logistical details

The game starts at 7:45 pm Dublin local time. Aviva Stadium capacity is 51 thousand fans.

Fans follow it on Sportv or streaming on Globoplay. Bets indicate Portuguese favoritism, with odds of 1.33 for a Portuguese victory.

FIFA ranks Portugal fifth and Ireland 62nd.