Troy Parrott stars as Ireland stun Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Highlights and goals (2-0)

Ireland beat Portugal 2-0 in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, and you followed every thrilling moment of this historic match here on Bolavip. Thanks for staying with us, see you next time!

Ireland secure a stunning 2-0 victory over Portugal in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Troy Parrott shines with a brilliant brace, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card and Portugal’s missed chances define a dramatic night at the Aviva Stadium.

A defeat in Dublin would push Portugal’s World Cup qualification hopes to the final matchday. Losing today would leave Roberto Martinez’s team with 10 points, just two ahead of Hungary, meaning the top spot in Group F would be decided in the last game.

The referee has just added seven minutes of stoppage time, giving both sides a final chance to make an impact.

Diogo Dalot fires from outside the box, forcing a corner after a strong attempt, but Portugal fail to capitalize. Despite being down to ten men, they refuse to give up with only minutes remaining.

Portugal make a change as Joao Neves comes off for Goncalo Ramos. Ireland respond with three substitutions: Finn Azaz, Chiedozie Ogbene, and Liam Scales are replaced by Festy Ebosele, Michael Johnston, and Jimmy Dunne to help see out the game.

Ireland take a corner but fail to make it count. They continue to manage possession carefully, looking to control the tempo and seal the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo receives his first-ever red card with the Portuguese national team. It is the 13th sending-off of his career — 12 with his clubs and now the first with Portugal.

Despite Portugal’s high pressing, Ireland continue to create threatening opportunities. They nearly score a third, putting Portugal under mounting nerves and growing desperation as the match approaches its final stages.

Ireland make their first changes of the second half, with hero Troy Parrott and Jack Taylor coming off for Adam Idah and Conor Coventry, as Heimir Hallgrimsson looks to manage the game and freshen up the squad.

Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s expulsion, Portugal respond with substitutions: Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix come off, replaced by Trincao and Rafael Leao. Ronaldo will miss the next match, and this may have been his final appearance in World Cup qualifiers.

Portugal suffer a major blow as Cristiano Ronaldo is sent off. While maintaining possession and not actively attacking, Ronaldo elbows Dara O'Shea, and after a VAR review, the referee shows him a straight red.

Portugal continue to control the ball and probe for openings, but their attacks lack penetration. Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest effort from distance is off target, highlighting the team’s struggle to convert possession into real chances.

Portugal adjust their lineup as Goncalo Inacio and Joao Cancelo come off, replaced by Renato Veiga and Nelsinho Semedo in an attempt to inject fresh energy and regain control.

Early in the second half, a corner falls perfectly to Vitinha inside the box, but he mishits the shot in front of goal — a huge missed opportunity to close the gap.

The action resumes at the Aviva Stadium! Portugal push forward in search of a comeback, while Ireland aim to hold their 2-0 lead and stay solid at the back.

The first half comes to an end at the Aviva Stadium! Ireland lead 2-0 thanks to a brilliant brace from Troy Parrott. Portugal have dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances, while Ireland’s counterattacks have been lethal so far.

Troy Parrott does it again! A perfect through ball finds him in space, and he finishes with a brilliant strike at the near post to make it 2-0. A stunning individual effort and a dream first half for Ireland.

Back-to-back corners for Portugal cause chaos in the box. Joao Felix tries a bicycle kick that leads to another corner, and on the next delivery, Joao Neves heads just wide.

Incredible sequence as Kelleher pulls off a heroic save to keep Ireland ahead. The play ends in a corner that Portugal waste, with Dalot’s shot flying over the bar.

Another dangerous counter from Ireland as Ogbene breaks through the defense, cuts inside, and fires toward the far post — the shot smashes off the woodwork. Portugal escape a second goal by inches.

Ireland continue to trouble Portugal with quick counterattacks. The latest run by Ogbene didn’t end in a clear chance, but it’s another warning that they can strike again at any moment.

After a long spell of possession, Ruben Neves unleashes a powerful shot from outside the box, but it flies wide of the target.

Ireland fail to take advantage of a set piece as a poor cross ends with Jake O'Brien caught offside.

A surprising blow for Portugal, but they don’t drop their intensity. The visitors keep control of the ball, maintaining possession as they look to respond quickly.

Ireland strike first! After pressing high from a goal kick, Troy Parrott forces Diogo Costa to concede a corner. From the ensuing play, Liam Scales flicks the ball toward the near post, and Parrott finishes it off to put Ireland 1-0 ahead.

Ireland show they can threaten with the spaces left behind Portugal’s high possession. Two quick counterattacks led by Troy Parrott don’t find the target, but they give the Portuguese defense an early scare.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot from the free kick hits the wall and deflects out for a corner, which Portugal fail to capitalize on.

Portugal keep control of the game as Vitinha picks up the ball just outside the box and fires toward goal, but the shot strikes Collins on the hand — free kick in a dangerous position.

Portugal start aggressively, pushing Ireland deep into their own half. Joao Felix delivers a dangerous cross, and Cristiano Ronaldo attempts a backheel finish, but Kelleher reacts quickly to make the save.

The match is officially underway at the Aviva Stadium! Ireland and Portugal begin their decisive UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier, with everything to play for under the lights in Dublin. The hosts look to keep their World Cup hopes alive, while Portugal aim to seal their direct ticket to the 2026 tournament.

Both teams step onto the pitch at the Aviva Stadium as the atmosphere builds in Dublin. The crowd rises to its feet for the national anthems, first Ireland, followed by Portugal. The tension and excitement are palpable with kickoff moments away in this crucial UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier.

Portugal are in full control of their qualification path heading into tonight’s match against Ireland. Roberto Martinez’s team sit top of Group F with 10 points after four matches (three wins and one draw).

To qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, Portugal need to:

• Win against Ireland — this would immediately secure their ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
• Draw, if Hungary fail to beat Armenia — a tie would also be enough to clinch qualification, depending on other results.
• If Portugal lose in Dublin, they would still remain alive through the playoffs, a route already guaranteed thanks to their strong position in the group. However, if Portugal fall to Ireland and Armenia defeat Hungary, the battle for first place would be decided in the final matchday, when Portugal and Armenia face each other directly.

Portugal will be without two of their biggest stars for tonight’s UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Ireland, as Nuno Mendes and Bruno Fernandes are both unavailable. Mendes misses out due to a left ankle injury, a significant blow considering the Paris Saint-Germain full-back has been one of the best players in the world in his position.

Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, leaving Portugal without their creative engine in midfield. The 31-year-old’s absence forces Roberto Martinez to adjust his lineup, with Ruben Neves stepping in to provide defensive stability and balance in the middle of the park.

Today’s match takes place at the Aviva Stadium, formerly known as Lansdowne Road and also referred to as the Dublin Arena. Located in the heart of Dublin, Ireland, this modern venue has a capacity of 51,711 spectators and stands as one of Europe’s most iconic soccer stadiums. It regularly hosts major international fixtures and remains the proud home of the Irish national team.

Here's how it looks:

General view inside the Aviva Stadium.

Heimir Hallgrimsson has announced Ireland’s lineup for today’s UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Portugal:

Caoimhin Kelleher, Seamus Coleman, Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea, Jake O'Brien, Liam Scales, Finn Azaz, Jack Taylor, Josh Cullen, Chiedozie Ogbene, Troy Parrott.

Here's Portugal's starting eleven for the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Ireland:

Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Inacio, Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Ruben Neves; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix.

The referee team for today’s match between Ireland and Portugal has been confirmed.

Ivan Kruzliak from Slovakia will take charge of the action at the Aviva Stadium, assisted by Branislav Hancko and Jan Pozor, both also from Slovakia. Clay Ruperti of the Netherlands will oversee VAR duties, supported by fellow Dutch official Richard Martens. Peter Kralovic, another Slovak referee, will serve as the fourth official on the sidelines.

Ireland vs Portugal will get underway at 2:45 PM ET (PT:11:45 AM)

Watch this UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match between Ireland and Portugal live in the USA on Fubo and ViX.

Welcome to our live blog of this crucial UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier!

Ireland host Portugal in Dublin this Thursday, November 13, in a match that could decide both teams’ fate on the road to the World Cup in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Stay tuned for key updates, insights, and minute-by-minute coverage as Ireland and Portugal battle it out in Dublin!