Overview
- Portugal will book a 2026 World Cup place with a win over Ireland in Thursday’s Group F match at the Aviva Stadium.
- Ireland’s path depends on the earlier Armenia–Hungary result, with Hallgrímsson saying his side likely need at least a point to stay alive.
- Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 GMT on 13 November at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
- Ireland are without injured striker Evan Ferguson, plus Callum O’Dowda, Mark Sykes and Sammie Szmodics, with Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby suspended; Portugal are missing Pedro Neto and Pedro Gonçalves as Cristiano Ronaldo leads the attack.
- Hallgrímsson insists Ireland will stick to a controlled approach and take calculated risks late if required against a Portugal side brimming with experienced attacking threats.