Portugal go try keep their perfect World Cup 2026 qualifying run alive when dem host Republic of Ireland for Estadio Jose Alvalade on Saturday night.
This go be the first time both teams go meet since June 2024, when Cristiano Ronaldo score brace for Portugal 3-0 friendly win for home.
Match Preview
After winning their second UEFA Nations League title for June, Portugal start their World Cup qualification campaign strong with back-to-back wins against Armenia and Hungary, scoring eight goals total.
Dem begin with 5-0 away win over Armenia before Joao Cancelo score late 86th-minute winner against Hungary to seal 3-2 victory.
Coach Roberto Martinez don talk say Portugal dey “work towards dream” to win their first ever World Cup next summer, and say he “believe in numbers” — referencing 1966 (when Portugal finish third) and 2016 (when dem win Euro).
The world number 5 ranked nation already secure playoff spot through Nations League triumph, but dem still dey top Group F, three points clear for first position.
Portugal dey on five-match winning streak in all competitions, and with three wins from their last four games against Ireland (one draw), dem go enter this match as clear favorites to extend the run.
For Republic of Ireland, qualification don already look hard. The Boys in Green get only one point from their first two Group F games. After dramatic 2-2 draw against 10-man Hungary, dem lose 2-1 away to Armenia — team wey dey 45 places below them for FIFA ranking.
Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson talk say him players “know say dem don let people down and let themselves down,” as dem prepare to face Portugal before crucial rematch against Armenia next week. But the challenge big: Ireland never win for Portuguese soil before — six attempts, no victory (one draw, five losses).
Their away form no dey encouraging either — only two wins in last eight away internationals (one draw, five losses), and dem fail score for four of those games.
Portugal World Cup qualifying form: W W
Portugal form (all competitions): L W W W W W
Republic of Ireland World Cup qualifying form: D L
Republic of Ireland form (all competitions): W W D D D L
Team News
Portugal no go get Joao Neves (PSG) and Joao Cancelo (Al-Hilal) as both dey recover from hamstring injuries. Nuno Tavares don join squad, but Nuno Mendes go start for left-back, while Nelson Semedo and Diogo Dalot go battle for right-back position.
For midfield, Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha go likely pair, with Bernardo Silva joining to create balance. 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo — wey don already score three goals for this qualification and get four goals in five past games against Ireland — go lead the attack again. Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao go flank am from both sides.
For Ireland, dem get plenty injury wahala: Matt Doherty, Jason Knight, Bosun Lawal, Callum O’Dowda, and Sammie Szmodics all dey out. In Doherty absence, Seamus Coleman return to squad for the first time since September 2024, and fit start or compete with Ogbene for right wing-back.
John Egan (Hull City) also return after one year out but no likely start ahead of Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea or Jake O’Brien. Troy Parrott don come back after injury and fit feature depending on medical clearance before kickoff.
Portugal possible starting lineup:
Costa; Dalot, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Bernardo, Vitinha, Fernandes; Conceicao, Ronaldo, Neto
Republic of Ireland possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; O’Brien, O’Shea, Collins; Ogbene; Cullen, Knight, Manning; Taylor, Azaz; Ferguson
Prediction
We say: Portugal 3-0 Republic of Ireland
Hallgrimsson himself don admit say him job dey on the line, and pressure don mount as Ireland dey struggle to get points. But truth be say, e go hard to see dem stop Portugal wey dey play with high confidence and heavy firepower. With Ronaldo still sharp and the midfield fluid, Portugal suppose collect another comfortable win for Lisbon.
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