The Irish team faces Portugal this Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Aviva Stadium, in Dublin, in the fifth round of the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The game takes place at 4:45 pm Brasília time, with exclusive broadcast on the Sportv channel for the Brazilian public. Portugal, leader of Group F with 10 points, seeks to confirm its direct place in the World Cup, while Ireland, with four points in third place, needs victory to maintain its chances in the play-offs.
Cristiano Ronaldo, top scorer in the qualifiers, leads the Lusitanians in a clash that could define the fate of both teams in the bracket.
The match marks the second clash between the teams in this edition of the qualifiers, after Portugal’s 1-0 victory in October.
Group positions and motivations
Portugal has three wins and a draw in Group F, with a goal difference of eight goals.
Ireland has one win, one draw and two defeats, needing to reverse their deficit to dream of progress. Coach Roberto Martínez, from Portugal, emphasizes maintaining the offensive rhythm seen in previous rounds.
Probable lineups and absences
Ireland adopts a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Caoimhin Kelleher in goal, a defense formed by Jake O’Brien, Nathan Collins and Dara O’Shea, a midfield with Seamus Coleman, Will Smallbone, Josh Cullen and Jack Taylor, and an attack led by Festy Ebosele, Finn Azaz and Chiedozie Ogbene. Evan Ferguson, Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby are out due to injury or suspension.
Portugal enters with 4-3-3, Diogo Costa in goal, defensive line of Nélson Semedo, Rúben Dias, Rúben Veiga and João Palhinha, midfield with Matheus Nunes, João Neves, Vitinha and Bernardo Silva, and offensive front with Cristiano Ronaldo and Pedro Neto. João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Nuno Tavares and Bruno Fernandes do not play due to absences.
Heimir Hallgrímsson, Irish coach, adjusts the team to exploit quick counterattacks.
- Ireland’s main absences: Evan Ferguson (injury), Ryan Manning (suspended), Jayson Molumby (suspended).
- Absences in Portugal: João Cancelo (injury), Nuno Mendes (injury), Nuno Tavares (injury), Bruno Fernandes (suspended).
Match history
The teams faced each other 17 times, with 10 Portuguese victories, four Irish victories and three draws. The last duel, in October 2025, ended 1-0 for Portugal, scored by Ronaldo.
In Dublin, Portugal have won three of their last five visits, averaging 2.5 goals per match. Portugal dominates the record since 2000, with eighttriumphs in 10 games.
Arbitration and regulation
Glenn Nyberg, from Sweden, referees the game, with an average of 0.12 yellow cards per match.
The UEFA qualifiers directly classify the leader of each group for the 2026 World Cup, with runners-up going to the repechage. Group F has Portugal (10 points), Hungary (5), Ireland (4) and Armenia (0).
Recent expectations and statistics
Portugal scored 11 goals in four games, with average possession of 62%.
Ireland conceded seven goals at home in qualifying, but beat Luxembourg 2-0 in a recent friendly.
Ronaldo is looking for his fourth goal of the campaign as Ireland rely on Ogbene for pace in attack. The match could attract 50,000 fans at the Aviva Stadium, with temperatures expected to reach 8 degrees Celsius. Portugal, ranked FIFA 5, face 62nd-ranked Ireland in a test of consistency before the final round.
Real-time coverage
Sportv offers narration with tactical analysis during the game. Digital platforms such as Globoplay make the signal available to subscribers. Fans follow updates on ball possession, shots and corners on official apps.
