Portugal are looking to put one foot in the 2026 World Cup as they take on the Republic of Ireland in qualifying for this summer's tournament.
- Date: 11/10/2025
- Kick-off: 7:45 pm
- Location: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon
Portugal come into this game in good shape having won their last five games on the bounce. Roberto Martinez's side caught the eyes of Europe when they won their second Nations League title this summer, beating Spain to the trophy via a penalty shootout. After a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, many were calling for the end of the manager's reign, but he's proven his worth in time to lead the team into the 2026 World Cup.
The Irish national team, by contrast, enter this game off the back of a historic low point. In their last game, the Boys in Green were beaten 2-1 by a side ranked 105th (now 103rd) at the time in Armenia, in what many have called the worst defeat in Irish footballing history. Ireland salvaged a draw at home to Hungary with a last-gasp equaliser in an underwhelming result in their first game, but their hopes of securing a play-off spot took a monumental hit last time out, and many fans are now asking questions with the team on a four-match winless run.
Portugal are one of the more entertaining sides to watch in Europe at present, with their last five games averaging 4.8 goals per game. Ireland, meanwhile, have seen an average of 3.5 goals scored per game in their last two outings.
This game is unlikely to be short on goals, but from Ireland's perspective, most of those will likely be at the wrong end. Portugal have scored 17 goals across their last five games (with Cristiano Ronaldo bagging four in his last three), and while they do tend to concede, keeping only two clean sheets in their last ten games, they should have far too much for Ireland.
Portugal 4-1 Republic of Ireland
