Portugal need just a point from their remaining two FIFA World Cup qualifying (WCQ) games to officially qualify for the tournament in 2026. They will be aiming for all three though when they visit the Aviva Stadium on Thursday night to take on the Republic of Ireland.
The hosts themselves still have a strong chance of finishing in second place in the group behind their next opponents, with it looking like a three-way battle to finish as the best runners-up with both Armenia and Hungary. Nonetheless, Portugal will be provide the ultimate test for Ireland, but with home advantage, they will always feel like they have a chance of causing an upset.
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Republic of Ireland vs Portugal prediction: Visitors to get points needed?
Key stats
- Ireland have lost two of their last three games.
- Portugal are unbeaten in seven matches in total in all competitions, winning six of them.
- Portugal are also unbeaten in the previous five H2Hs, winning four.
Correct score prediction: Republic of Ireland 1-3 Portugal
Portugal are the superior team in terms of quality, and so we are expecting them to claim all three points here and book their place at next year’s World Cups. Ireland could cause them some problems though, as they are currently on a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions on home soil.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Portugal favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 15/2 (8.50) – 11.8%
- DRAW: 4/1 (5.00) – 20.0%
- AWAY: 1/3 (1.33) – 75%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Portugal are the clear favourites with bookmakers to claim all three points on their travels. A draw can still be backed at 20%, while an Ireland win on home soil is rated at just under 12%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Today’s betting tips page for more of our expert predictions for the rest of the WCQ matches.
Most recent H2Hs: Portugal hold upper hand
As mentioned before, Portugal are unbeaten in the previous five meetings, winning four. That record makes them heavy favourites to record another victory here.
International Match 11/06/24
Portugal
Rep of Ireland
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 11/11/21
Rep of Ireland
Portugal
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 01/09/21
Portugal
Rep of Ireland
International Match 11/06/14
Portugal
Rep of Ireland
Republic of Ireland preview: Injured players replaced
Mark Sykes and Evan Ferguson have both been ruled out due to injury Jamie McGrath and Johnny Kenny were called up as replacements.
Predicted lineup: Kelleher (GK), O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea, Coleman, Smallbone, Molumby, Manning, Ebosele, Azaz & Parrott
Last five results:
- Republic of Ireland 1-0 Armenia
- Portugal 1-0 Republic of Ireland
- Armenia 2-1 Republic of Ireland
- Republic of Ireland 2-2 Hungary
- Luxembourg 0-0 Republic of Ireland
Portugal preview: Key trio out
Carlos Forbs has received his first call-up to the squad, while both Joao Cancelo and Joao Neves have returned to it. However, Nuno Mendes, Pedro Goncalves and Pedro Neto are all out for Portugal.
Predicted lineup: Costa (GK), Semedo, Dias, Veiga, Cancelo, Neves, Vitinha, Silva, Fernandes, Conceicao & Ronaldo
Last five results:
- Portugal 2-2 Hungary
- Portugal 1-0 Republic of Ireland
- Hungary 2-3 Portugal
- Armenia 0-5 Portugal
- Portugal 3-2 Spain
Player to watch Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has recently admitted that 2026 could be his last World Cup, should Portugal qualify. The veteran striker is chasing down the record of 1000 senior career goals for club and country combined, and will have a chance to add to his tally against Ireland.