Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal hold a five-point lead in Group F and take on the Republic of Ireland in this 2026 World Cup Qualifying match on Thursday.

The AZ forward struck twice before the break as Ireland moved three points behind Group F leaders Portugal, and one behind second-placed Hungary, ahead of their final showdown on Sunday

Surprisingly for a team with so many modern-day stars, Portugal have only played at eight World Cups. Their best result was in 1966, when they finished in third place and Eusebio was the tournament's top scorer with nine. That was one of just two tournaments at which they played from 1930 until 2002.

European National Teams have two World Cup qualifier matches left to determine which teams qualify directly to the 2026 World Cup and which teams won't. Ireland will host Portugal today at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

Portugal will secure qualification for next year's tournament with a win in Dublin, while Ireland are currently third in Group F, one point off second place, with work to do to earn the play-off spot

FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Ireland will lock horns against Portugal in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday, November 14. The match between Ireland and Portugal will kick off at 1:15 AM IST.

Portugal will be without key attackers Pedro Neto and Pedro Gonçalves, who have returned to their clubs, Chelsea and Sporting CP, due to injury.

Spain and Lamine Yamal, France and Kylian Mbappé plus Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo are close to confirming their places at the 2026 World Cup.