Portugal stands on the verge of securing direct qualification for the FIFA 2026 World Cup as they prepare to face Ireland in a crucial UEFA Group F qualifier at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. The unbeaten Portuguese squad, led by manager Roberto Martínez and sitting comfortably atop the group with 10 points from four matches, needs only a victory against Ireland to guarantee their seventh consecutive World Cup appearance. With a five-point cushion over second-placed Hungary, Portugal’s formidable form—marked by four wins and a recent draw—positions them as strong favorites. However, Ireland, though mathematically alive with four points and trailing Hungary by just one point, faces an uphill battle against the world’s fifth-ranked team while coping with key injuries, including star striker Evan Ferguson.
The qualification scenarios highlight the high stakes: a Portugal win would seal their spot with an insurmountable 13 points, while a draw in their final two matches would still likely secure top position. For Ireland, victory is essential to keep their slim hopes alive, but they must also rely on other results, including Hungary’s performance against Armenia. Historically, Portugal dominates this fixture with 10 wins in 17 meetings, though Ireland’s last competitive victory dates back to 1995. The teams’ most recent encounter in October saw Portugal snatch a dramatic 1-0 win thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Rúben Neves, after Cristiano Ronaldo had a penalty saved.
Adding to the narrative, Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his international swansong, emphasizing the significance of this qualification campaign. Team news reveals challenges for both sides: Portugal will miss injured winger Pedro Neto and midfielder Pedro Gonçalves, while Ireland grapples with multiple absences, including suspended players Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby. Coaches Heimir Hallgrímsson and Martínez have acknowledged the pressure, with Ireland needing calculated risks and Portugal focused on closing out games strongly. As the match unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Portugal can clinch their ticket or if Ireland can stage a stunning upset to revive their World Cup dreams.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.