Portugal vs Ireland – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Portugal host the Republic of Ireland in a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifier at Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, on Saturday.

Roberto Martínez’s side aim to maintain their perfect start, while Heimir Hallgrímsson’s Ireland seek a stabilising result after a bruising September window.

Portugal vs Ireland – Match Preview and Team News

Team News

Portugal

Portugal are dealing with a key absence, as PSG midfielder João Neves has withdrawn with a left thigh injury. This decision followed joint assessments by the FPF and PSG medical teams. As a result, the team has called up Lazio’s Nuno Tavares in a squad reshuffle. Furthermore, João Cancelo is also sidelined through injury, adding to the manager’s defensive concerns.

In Cancelo’s place, Nelson Semedo and Diogo Dalot provide the right-back options, while Nuno Mendes will likely start on the left. In midfield, Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha are poised to anchor the team’s creativity. Up front, 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead the line. He comes into this match in fine form, with three goals in two WCQ matches and an impressive four goals in five games against Ireland.

To boost their attacking options, both Matheus Nunes and Rafael Leão have returned to the squad. Ultimately, Martinez’s side will aim to secure their fourth win in four qualifying matches. A victory would seal top spot in the group and ensure they qualify directly for next year’s FIFA World Cup.

Ireland

Ireland receive a timely boost with Séamus Coleman returning to the squad for the first time since September 2024. His presence is a significant advantage, especially since the team has ruled out Matt Doherty. In another positive development, defender John Egan is also back after a long absence.

In attack, the manager has included Troy Parrott after his return from a knee injury. However, FAI staff will still assess his fitness. Assistant coach John O’Shea confirmed that both Parrott and Evan Ferguson are in contention for minutes, following positive training updates this week.

Still, Ireland are managing further knocks. For instance, Jason Knight and Bosun Lawal are among those on the sidelines. These absences have forced manager Age Hareide to reshape his 24-man group for the match in Lisbon and the subsequent fixture against Armenia.

Form

Portugal

Portugal come into this match with a perfect record in qualifying so far, having taken maximum points. Their successful run includes important away wins over both Armenia and Hungary. Furthermore, the team are still buoyed by their Nations League triumph from earlier in the year.

Roberto Martínez’s side also have strong home form, having won their last four matches on home soil. In fact, they comfortably beat Ireland 3-0 in a friendly in June 2024, where Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice.

Ireland

In contrast, Ireland’s campaign has stuttered recently. They first drew 2-2 with Hungary and then suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat away to Armenia.

Because of these results, building confidence has been a key focus for the team this week. The coaching staff are highlighting the fitness progress of Evan Ferguson and Troy Parrott, hoping this news will provide a timely lift for the attack ahead of the difficult trip to Lisbon.

Predicted Lineups

Portugal: Costa; Dalot, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Bernardo, Vitinha, Fernandes; Conceicao, Ronaldo, Neto

Ireland: Kelleher; O’Brien, O’Shea, Collins; Ogbene; Cullen, Knight, Manning; Taylor, Azaz; Ferguson

How to Watch Portugal vs Ireland?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Amazon Prime Video (Pay-Per-View).

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