Here is all you need to know about the crunch qualification tie, including what needs to happen if Ireland are to reach the World Cup.
What time is kick-off?
Ireland versus Portugal is live from the Aviva Stadium on Thursday November 13, with kick-off at 7.45.
How can I watch it?
Ireland’s crucial clash with the Seleção das Quinas is live on RTÉ2, with coverage underway from 7.0. The match will also be streamed on the RTÉ Player.
Team news
In a big blow for the Boys in Green, Evan Ferguson has been ruled out of Thursday’s clash after Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed he would remain in Rome for treatment. The Irish camp are monitoring the situation in the hope he can join up for Sunday’s game against Hungary.
Celtic striker Johnny Kenny has been called up after his recent goal-scoring form. Kevin O’Toole is a surprise inclusion, and with Ryan Manning suspended for the visit of Portugal, the New York City left-back could be in line for a debut.
Portugal have announced that Pedro Neto and Pedro Goncalves have both withdrawn from their squad with injury. Chelsea winger Neto scored in the Blues’ 3-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday but limped off soon after.
Roberto Martinez has yet to call-up any replacements, but the former Everton boss boasts a squad full of stars, including Ronaldo, who has indicated that the 2026 World Cup will be his swansong in a Portugal jersey.
The country’s record goalscorer has 1,000 career goals in his sights, but will he continue on that journey in Dublin or can Ireland stifle him again like they did in Lisbon in October?
Can Ireland still qualify for the World Cup?
If Hungary beat Armenia in Yerevan in Thursday’s early kick-off, Ireland will need at least a point against Portugal to keep their chances of second place and a play-off spot alive.
A draw would mean Ireland will have to beat Hungary in Budapest on Sunday and better their goal difference, which depends on how many goals Hungary beat Armenia by, with the Hungarians already boasting a better goal difference by two at present.
If Ireland were to beat Portugal and Hungary beat Armenia, they will still need a victory in Budapest to secure second place in the group but goal difference will no longer be a factor.
If Hungary are held to a draw by Armenia, Ireland will still be alive even with defeat in Dublin, where any win in Budapest would see Ireland leapfrog the Magyars into second place.
Victory against Portugal in addition to Hungary being held to a draw against Armenia, would mean Ireland would just need to avoid defeat in Budapest to secure second.
If Hungary lose to Armenia, then two draws for Ireland may be enough but goal difference and even goals scored would come into play. Should Hungary lose by just a goal, then Ireland would still need a point on Thursday and a win on Sunday.
However, if Hungary and Ireland both lose on Thursday then a victory in Budapest would secure the play-off place for Ireland.