Ireland and Portugal meet in a crucial showdown on matchday 9 of the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers â a pivotal clash especially for Portugal, who are one step away from securing their place at the tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese are looking to seal their qualification, while Ireland fight to keep their hopes alive. Follow the Ireland vs Portugal clash in our liveblog!
Ireland are under pressure to claim all three points to stay in contention for a direct ticket to the World Cup. They come into this fixture after earning their first win in Group F against Armenia. With four points â just one behind Hungary â the Irish need a victory to maintain their chances. If they lose this match and Hungary defeat Armenia, they will be automatically eliminated from the top two contention.
Portugal, on the other hand, sit at the top of the group with 10 points. Although they have already secured a spot in the playoffs, they can clinch direct qualification with a win over Ireland, or even with a draw if Hungary fail to beat Armenia. Should Roberto Martinezâs side book their ticket to the World Cup, it would mark Cristiano Ronaldoâs sixth appearance in the tournament â a record-setting achievement for the Portuguese icon.
The match between Portugal and Ireland is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The venue, one of Irelandâs premier soccer grounds, holds a capacity of approximately 51,000 spectators and is expected to host a packed crowd for this high-stakes qualifier.
Players of Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo, thank supporters.
Portugal lineup vs Ireland
Portugal arrive at this matchup with a roster stacked with world-class talent, blending the experience of their veteran stars with the energy of their emerging prospects. With Ronaldo playing against Ireland today, Portugal already know they will be without one of their key players as Nuno Mendes misses out due to a left ankle injury.
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What do Ronaldoâs Portugal need vs Ireland to qualify for 2026 World Cup? What happens if they win, tie or lose today
Portugalâs starting XI: Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Ruben Neves; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix.
Ireland lineup vs Portugal
Ireland still have slim hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, and this fixture against Portugal will be crucial to keeping that dream alive. A combination of results could extend their campaign, but they must first secure a result at home against one of Europeâs strongest sides.
Irelandâs lineup: Caoimhin Kelleher; Seamus Coleman, Dara OâShea, Nathan Collins, Jake OâBrien, Liam Scales; Finn Azaz, Jack Taylor, Josh Cullen; Chiedozie Ogbene, Troy Parrott.
