Portugal vs. Ireland: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Two wins for Portugal in October may be enough to see them book their place at the 2026 World Cup, and they’re first up against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday night.

Roberto Martinez’s side have flattered to deceive at major tournaments, but they remain one of the world’s most talented nations and will be regarded among the favourites to go all the way in North America next summer.

The UEFA Nations League champions started their qualifying campaign with victories over Armenia and Hungary in September, with a late João Cancelo strike against the latter ensuring they maintained their 100% record.

Ireland have been dealt a tough hand and are already unlikely to qualify for their first World Cup since 2002 after they were beaten 2–1 by Armenia in their last outing. FIFA’s 61st-ranked nation haven’t beaten Portugal since 2005, and it’d be an almighty upset if they were able escape Lisbon with a result on Saturday night.

Here’s Sports Illustrated’s guide to this World Cup qualifier.

Portugal vs. Ireland Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)Current Form (All Competitions)

Os convocados para os jogos em casa frente à Irlanda e à Hungria 🏡🇵🇹

🔗 𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗦 👉 https://t.co/c7S5lsL2xj#FazHistória | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/5HQP7VyJrV

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) October 3, 2025

There were no major surprises regarding Martinez’s squad selection, with João Cancelo the only man missing out through injury from the September squad. Nélson Semedo, Matheus Nunes and Rafael Leão are all back in the mix.

Portugal’s talent is undeniable, and Martinez’s emphasis on continuity should serve them well for next summer’s World Cup, assuming they qualify.

From the 3–2 victory over Hungary last time out, we should see António Silva come in for Rúben Neves at centre-back, although the in-form Renato Veiga and Sporting CP’s Gonçalo Inácio are alternative options.

The Paris Saint-Germain axis of Vitinha and João Neves should start in midfield, while 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo will once again lead the line.

This Portugal team is full of star talent. / FotMob

Portugal predicted lineup vs Ireland (4-2-3-1): Costa; Semedo, Silva, Dias, Mendes; Vitinha, J. Neves; B. Silva, Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo.

Troy Parott is fit to feature this month. / Geert van Erven/Soccrates/Getty Images

Heimir Hallgrímsson named a 24-man squad for Ireland’s upcoming qualifiers, but has already been forced into a change. Celtic’s Liam Scales has pulled out through injury and been replaced by Queen’s Park Rangers’ Jimmy Dunne.

Matt Doherty is also absent, but Séamus Coleman is back in the squad for the first time in over a year. Jason Knight and Bosun Lawal are currently sidelined.

Troy Parrott missed Ireland’s September outings but has recovered from his fitness setback in time for the next set of internationals. The AZ striker is enjoying his time in the Netherlands but has endured a disrupted start to 2025–26.

Can the visitors keep a mighty Portugal at bay? / FotMob

Ireland predicted lineup vs. Portugal (3-4-2-1): Kelleher; O’Brien, O’Shea, Collins; Ogbene; Cullen, Smallbone, Manning; Taylor, Azaz; Ferguson.

A 2–2 draw with Hungary was more than reasonable, but Ireland’s defeat to Armenia may well have crucified their qualifying campaign already. They’ve certainly got their work cut out, and their toughest assignment is on the horizon.

The talent gap is distinct, and Portugal have no business struggling in a fixture like this. They’ll be expected to win their next two qualifiers at home and potentially qualify for next summer’s tournament with two games to spare.

Prediction: Portugal 4–0 IrelandREAD THE LATEST SOCCER NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MATCH REACTION