Ireland vs Portugal: Match Preview & How to Watch

Marrakech – Aviva Stadium in Dublin will be the scene of a pivotal World Cup UEFA Qualifier match-up opposing Ireland and Portugal, as part of Group Faction.

A victory tonight for Portugal would ensure direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Roberto Martinez’ squad are first with ten points as things currently stand, followed by Hungary (five), Ireland (four), and Armenia (three).

For Ireland, the World Cup qualification hopes hinge on the second Group F game today opposing Armenia and Hungary. If the latter drop points, Ireland could jump ahead to take the second position in the group with a win. However, a loss today with a Hungary win eliminates Ireland out of contention for a spot.

Reminder: In the UEFA zone, all group winners automatically qualify for the World Cup, while teams finishing in second place of their respective groups will face off in playoff rounds.

Kick-off times around the world for tonight 🇮🇪🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/swfv8opmkN

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 13, 2025

Match Details:

Fixture: Ireland vs Portugal
Competition: World Cup Qualification UEFA, Group F, Round 9
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Date: Thursday Nov 13
Kick-off: 8:45 p.m. (GMT+1)
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
Where to watch: Sky Sport, beIN Sports (MENA), TOD, L’Equipe

Ireland Team News

After initial hopes he would be fit to feature in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side due, Roma striker Evan Ferguson has been ruled out tonight for an ankle injury. The forward, however, could make a return on Sunday to face Hungary.

Hallgrimsson’s assistant head coach John O’Shea provided an update on the forward: “Let’s wait and see. We were hopeful for both games, but the Portugal one is going to come round too quick. We were fully aware it was going to be a close call. Johnny’s coming in full of confidence, but let’s wait and see.”

Ireland Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Kelleher – O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea – Coleman, Cullen, Molumby, Manning – Ebosele, Azaz – Idah

Portugal Team News

Roberto Martinez’ side will lack Chelsea winger Pedro Neto. The 25-year-old withdrew from the Portugal camp because of a groin injury. Martinez is likely to turn to Milan’s Rafael Leao to start on the left-wing, with the forward’s good run of form: he has contributed five goals and assists over his last five appearances for the Serie A side. Fullback pair Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes were not named to the squadlist due to injury.

Bruno Fernandes will miss tonight’s match due to an accumulation of yellow cards. The Manchester United midfielder was booked in both of Portugal’s October qualifiers, and will therefore serve a one-game suspension tonight.

Roberto Martinez will count on Cristiano Ronaldo to lead his attack once more. The Portuguese striker is set to receive his 226th senior national team cap tonight.

Portugal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Costa – Nunes, Dias, Inacio, Dalot – R. Neves, J. Neves, Vitinha– Leao, Silva, Ronaldo