How can Portugal qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Portugal leads the group with 10 points, aiming for a win against Ireland to secure direct qualification with 13 points.

Portugal will face Ireland and Armenia next in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Image | X

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers reach their climax in UEFA Group F, both Portugal and the Republic of Ireland remain firmly in contention for a spot at the global tournament scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Here is how Portugal can qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Scenario 1: Portugal win against Ireland

Portugal currently lead the group with 10 points from four matches, unbeaten with a record of three wins and one draw. Should Portugal secure a victory in their next crucial match against Ireland, they would reach 13 points, an unassailable lead given that only one match remains after this fixture.

This outright win would guarantee Portugal direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026, eliminating any uncertainty.

Scenario 2: Portugal draw their remaining matches

If Portugal fails to win but draws their final two matches, against Ireland and Armenia, they would finish Group F with 12 points from six matches. Despite the lack of wins in the closing rounds, their points tally would still be sufficient to top the group standings and clinch direct World Cup qualification without relying on other teams’ results.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: When is Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal's next match? How to watch it in India?

Scenario 3: Portugal lose both of their matches - scenes get complicated

Should Portugal lose both their upcoming games to Ireland and Armenia, their point total would remain at 10 points.

Meanwhile, Hungary, who currently hold five points, could leapfrog Portugal by winning their remaining two matches against Armenia and Ireland to reach 11 points, thus overtaking Portugal at the top of Group F.

But if Ireland wins both their games, the group winner will be decided on goal difference.

Read Also: Qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026: Full list

Group winners to qualify

Each group topper will directly qualify for the FIFA World Cup, whereas the group runners-up will compete in the playoffs in March 2026 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Portugal's next fixtures

vs Ireland - 14/11/2025 - 1.15 am IST

vs Armenia - 16/11/2025 - 7.30 pm IST

Where to watch Portugal's next matches?

Football fans in India can watch Portugal's FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers matches on SonyLIV, via OTTplay Premium.

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