Overview
- Portugal qualify automatically with a win over the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, with kick-off at 19:45 GMT on Thursday.
- Group F stands at Portugal 10 points, Hungary 5 and Ireland 4 with two matches remaining in the window.
- Ireland are without injured striker Evan Ferguson and suspended duo Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby, while Portugal travel without Pedro Neto and Pedro Gonçalves and Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead the line.
- Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson says Ireland will stick to a disciplined plan and take only calculated risks late, noting they “at least need a point” depending on the earlier Armenia–Hungary outcome.
- Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged he expects boos in Dublin and has described 2026 as his final World Cup, as Portugal aim to secure a seventh straight finals appearance.