Overview
- Referee Glenn Nyberg overturned an initial yellow to a straight red after a VAR review for an elbow on Dara O'Shea in the 61st minute.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is suspended for Portugal's next group match against Armenia, delaying the team's push to clinch direct World Cup qualification.
- Troy Parrott scored both first‑half goals for Ireland in Dublin, securing a statement win at Aviva Stadium.
- Ireland moved to seven points and third place in the group, staying alive for a playoff berth as Hungary holds the current repechage spot.
- Mexico's planned March 2026 friendly with Portugal is on hold, with the Mexican FA waiting on Portugal's qualification status before confirming the match.