Portugal vs Republic of Ireland preview: Ronaldo aiming for more goals in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

Portugal can take another step towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday when they face the Republic of Ireland at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.

Roberto Martínez’s side started Group F with two games on the road, winning 5-0 in Armenia and 3-2 in Hungary with Cristiano Ronaldo and João Cancelo scoring in both victories.

Ronaldo has scored in five consecutive games for his country and has netted four goals in his previous three appearances against Ireland.

The Seleção have played the Boys in Green 16 times, Portugal holding a 9-4 advantage alongside three draws.

Portugal squad

Diogo Dalot and Nelson Semedo are back in the squad alongside Matheus Nunes, Francisco Conceição and Rafael Leão. João Cancelo is out injured.

Nuno Tavares was initially left out before being called up to replace the injured João Neves.

Ronaldo has scored 141 goals in 223 appearances for the Seleção.

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva

Defenders: Rúben Dias, António Silva, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, Diogo Dalot, Nelson Semedo, Nuno Tavares, Nuno Mendes

Midfielders: Rúben Neves, João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes, João Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Pedro Gonçalves, Bruno Fernandes

Forwards: João Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceição, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo

Predicted lineup

Roberto Martínez could revert to the side that started in Armenia, the only exceptions being the injured João Cancelo and João Neves.

Portugal (4-2-3-1) Diogo Costa; Nelson Semedo, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Rúben Neves, Vitinha; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix; Cristiano Ronaldo

Republic of Ireland form

Ireland beat Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League relegation playoffs in March. They fell behind in both legs, coming back to win 2-1 in Plovdiv and 2-1 in Dublin.

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side played two friendlies in June, a 1-1 draw against Senegal in Dublin followed by a 0-0 in Luxembourg.

The Irish began the World Cup qualifiers at home against Hungary, finding themselves 2-0 down after 15 minutes. Evan Ferguson got a goal back shortly after half-time and Roland Sallai was sent off in the 52nd minute, Adam Idah heading home the equaliser in added time.

Ireland are coming off a 2-1 defeat in Armenia where they had no excuses. They fell 2-0 behind in Yerevan, Ferguson reducing the deficit once again, but they couldn’t find a way back and ended the contest with 0.80-2.45 expected goals.

Irish players to watch

Goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher and centre-back Nathan Collins both play for Brentford, but most of Ireland’s squad ply their trade in the English Championship.

Star striker Evan Ferguson was benched for Roma’s last match due to an ankle problem. He is reported to have participated in training but remains doubtful.

Troy Parrott recently returned from injury for AZ Alkmaar and will surely be an option off the bench.

Head-to-head record

Portugal have won two of their six competitive matches against Republic of Ireland alongside three draws and one defeat.

They first met in the 1996 European Championship qualifiers. Steve Staunton scored in Dublin where Ireland won 1-0 before Portugal won 3-0 at Estádio da Luz, Rui Costa, Hélder Cristóvão and Jorge Cadete scoring in the second half.

Two more encounters came in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers which both ended in 1-1 draws. Sérgio Conceição opened the scoring at Estádio da Luz before Matt Holland equalised, Roy Keane putting Ireland ahead in Dublin where Luís Figo found the net.

Portugal took on Ireland again in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 89th and 96th minutes to secure a 2-1 win at Estádio Algarve before a boring 0-0 draw in Dublin where Pepe was sent off in the 81st minute.

They last met a friendly in June 2024, Portugal winning 3-0 at Estádio Municipal de Aveiro where João Félix opened the scoring followed by two goals for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Roberto Martínez quotes:

“The key to this camp is to focus on Ireland and Hungary. The important thing is to prepare for the games, continue what we did in September. I have seen a very committed squad. We expect Ireland to be tough, we know Hungary, they have a very strong competitive aspect. I won’t make the mistake of looking too far ahead.”

“In the first 10 European Championship qualifying matches, we realised we had to improve our resilience, look every team in the world in the eye, and we’re doing that, improving our competitiveness in the locker room. It’s not about individual quality, we have that, it’s more about building a team with resilience and values. Then, we need more competitiveness in the locker room. Conceding two goals in Hungary wouldn’t normally allow us to win.

“The most important thing is to play in Portugal, at home, and harness the power of our fans. I love playing at Alvalade, but the decision is up to the Federation’s management. We have the opportunity to work in Lisbon, but Alvalade is an important home for the national team. This qualifying campaign has six games, so there’s no room for error. We need to build on the results we’ve achieved. We’re fully focused on trying to win both games in front of our fans.

“Matheus Nunes has already worked with us and is in very good form. He’s very versatile; it was important to have someone who can play right-back or midfield. He was in a group of players we monitor, but we’re counting on everyone.

Presence of Diogo Jota

“At the September training camp, and I’m a big believer in omens, the first goal was scored in the 21st minute, and in Hungary we conceded a goal in the 21st minute. Diogo Jota is with us, he’s there. His dream was to win the World Cup, and we have the responsibility to give everything for his dream, which is also ours.

“We have 12 consecutive victories (in European and World Cup qualification), and this has never happened before. We want victory 13 and 14.

“The goal was to add to the squad. We used 32 players in the Nations League, and now we have the opportunity to continue.

“The U21 players? They have to use the U21 stage to break into the senior team, as has happened with other players. The September [U21] internationals were a success for Quenda, Mateus Fernandes and Rodrigo Mora. They responded very well to the responsibility and showed what they can bring to the national team. But we have a very high-quality team, and the process is very clear.”