Republic Of Ireland Vs Portugal: Ronaldo Targets World Cup Tickets In Dublin

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to write history with Portugal (photo: x @akamdiochanet)

Jakarta Portugal has the opportunity to secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup if it is able to beat the Republic of Ireland in the Group F qualifying match at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Thursday night, November 13. For the hosts, this duel became a means of retaliation after they lost 0-1 in their first meeting last month through a 91st minute goal Ruben Neves.

Roberto Martinez's squad appeared almost perfect throughout qualifying. After winning the UEFA Nations League in June 2025, Portugal won 10 points from four qualifying matches and is now leading Group F with a five-point lead over Hungary.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to write history. His two goals in the 2-2 draw against Hungary last month made him the top scorer of the World Cup qualifying year (41 goals) and added his total collection to 143 goals from 235 international appearances. At the age of 40, the Al-Nassr captain is still a goal engine determined to close his international career with a ticket to his final tournament.

Portugal, who have never won the World Cup, will qualify automatically if they win over Ireland. Even a draw or defeat can still lead them to the finals, provided Hungary fail to beat Armenia in another match.

The record also sided with Sele Maritime Affairs and Quinas: they were unbeaten in the last seven matches (five wins, 2 draws) and won four of the last five meetings against Ireland.

For the Republic of Ireland, hopes of qualifying for the first World Cup since 2006 have not been extinguished. A 1-0 win over Armenia last month gave it a new breath. Evan Ferguson's singles goal confirmed their first three points in Group F and opened up opportunities to compete with Hungary for second place.

But the match against Portugal will be a tough test. Heimir Hallgrimsson's troops are currently in third place with four points, one adrift of Hungary. They must match or exceed Hungary's result against Armenia so that opportunities remain alive until the final match on Sunday.

Ireland has a positive capital: unbeaten in the last five matches in Aviva Stadium (3 wins, 2 draws), including a 0-0 draw against Portugal at the last meeting in Dublin in 2021.

The hosts were hit hard by the absence of Evan Ferguson with an ankle injury. The AS Roma striker has scored three of Ireland's four goals in qualifying. In addition, Sammie Szmodics, Mark Sykes, and Callum O'Dowda were also injured, while Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby were suspended.

Instead, on fire Celtic striker Johnny Kenny is called up and has a chance to debut. Troy Parrott and Adam Idah are also ready to be the focus on the front lines.

From the Portugal camp, Pedro Neto (Chelsea) and Pedro Gon bigalves (Sporting Lisbon) were absent due to injury. Bernardo Silva is likely to be operating on the right side, while the left wing becomes a fight for Rafael Leao, Francisco Conceicao, Francisco Trincao, and Carlos Forbs.

Ronaldo remains at the forefront and determined to score his first goal in Ireland after three failed in the previous match.

Ireland is known to be difficult to beat at home and will likely appear disciplined to withstand the onslaught of opponents. However, the quality of the Portuguese individual is still too strong, especially with Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva in stable performance.

Celebrity is favored to win an important victory and ensure tickets to the 2026 World Cup without having to wait for the last game. Ronaldo also has the potential to add to his historical record on the night that could be historic in Dublin.

Estimated line-up:

Republic of Ireland (3-4-2-1): Neckneck; O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Johnston; Ebosele, Azaz; Parrott.

Portugal (4-3-3): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha; Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Leao.