Mansion Sports – The clash between the Republic of Ireland and Portugal in the European Zone Group F qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be an intense and prestigious contest. 

The match will take place at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Thursday, 13 November 2025, at 19:45 local time.

This encounter represents more than just a battle for three points—it is a duel of ambition and national pride. 

Portugal have the opportunity to secure an automatic qualification spot with a victory, while Ireland will fight relentlessly to keep their hopes alive.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Portugal

Portugal enter this fixture in a highly advantageous position. A victory over the Republic of Ireland would be enough to confirm their place at the 2026 World Cup without depending on results from other matches.

Since lifting the UEFA Nations League trophy in June, Roberto Martinez’s squad have shown consistency and composure. 

They have collected ten points from four qualifying games, dropping points only once in a 2–2 draw against Hungary. 

In that match, Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved decisive, scoring twice to extend his record as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers with 41 goals.

At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to serve as the heartbeat of Portugal’s attack. His club form with Al-Nassr remains exceptional, recording nine goals in his last eight matches in the Saudi Pro League. 

For the Portuguese captain, qualification for the 2026 World Cup would serve as the perfect finale to a legendary international career.

Despite their strong position, Portugal are wary of the determination of their hosts. Roberto Martinez emphasized that the match in Dublin will be decided not only by tactics but also by mentality and focus throughout the 90 minutes.

Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland still hold slim hopes of advancing, though the path ahead is far from easy. 

Under the guidance of Heimir Hallgrimsson, the Irish side aim to redeem their narrow 0–1 defeat in Lisbon last month, when Ruben Neves scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute.

Backed by the passionate Aviva Stadium crowd, The Boys in Green will seek to capitalize on home advantage.

Ireland’s home form offers encouragement—they remain unbeaten in their last five matches in Dublin. They currently sit third in the standings with four points, just one behind second-placed Hungary. 

Their 1–0 victory over Armenia in the previous match, courtesy of Evan Ferguson’s goal, boosted team morale. However, Ferguson will miss this crucial clash due to an ankle injury.

Additional setbacks include the absences of Sammie Szmodics, Mark Sykes, and Callum O'Dowda through injury, while Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby are suspended. 

As a response, Hallgrimsson has called up young Celtic forward Johnny Kenny, who may earn his first international cap. Troy Parrott and Adam Idah are also expected to be leading options up front.

Group F Standings

The standings underline the significance of this fixture for both teams. Portugal aim to confirm direct qualification, while Ireland seek to revive their playoff hopes.

Predicted Lineups for Republic of Ireland vs Portugal – November 2025

Republic of Ireland (3-4-2-1)

With several key players missing, the Republic of Ireland are expected to make significant rotations in midfield and attack. 

Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson will rely on defensive solidity and collective spirit to challenge the European giants.

Portugal (4-3-3)

Portugal will also make adjustments as Pedro Neto and Pedro Goncalves remain unavailable due to injuries. 

Bernardo Silva is expected to occupy the right wing, while Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao are likely to compete for the left side.

Closing

The Republic of Ireland vs Portugal match in November 2025 represents more than a typical qualifier. 

For Portugal, a win means booking their place at the 2026 World Cup. For Ireland, it is a final opportunity to keep their qualification dream alive.

Based on the predicted lineups for Republic of Ireland vs Portugal, the showdown at Aviva Stadium promises to be compelling. 

Portugal may have the edge in quality, but Ireland’s resilience and fighting spirit at home could make this a gripping contest until the final whistle.