Portugal vs Ireland, FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Preview, H2H stats, when and where to watch?

Portugal and Ireland clash in a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on October 12 at Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon. Fans can watch the match on SonyLIV, via OTTplay Premium.

Ronaldo is all set to play his 224th match for Portugal. Image | X

Portugal and Ireland face off in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday, October 12, at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. Portugal, currently leading Group F, seeks to continue their perfect start and move closer to securing qualification for the World Cup. Ireland, suffering a setback in their recent loss to Armenia, aims to upset the odds and gain their first win in the qualifiers.

Match Details

Match: Portugal vs Ireland, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Date: 12 October 2025

Time: 12.15 AM IST

Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon

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Where to watch the Portugal vs Ireland, FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers online?

Football fans in India can watch the Portugal vs Ireland, FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match online on the SonyLIV app and website, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

Where to watch the match on TV?

The Portugal vs Ireland, FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifierswill be available to watch on Sony Sports Network channels in India.

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Portugal vs Ireland: H2H stats

Portugal holds a clear advantage over Ireland in their 16 meetings, with nine wins, four draws, and only three losses. Their recent encounters reinforce Portugal's dominance, including a 3-0 friendly win in June 2024, where Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice.

Preview and team news

Portugal enters the match with impressive momentum, having won their first two group games against Armenia (5-0) and Hungary (3-2). Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese legend, is in excellent form, scoring consistently, racking up goals in five consecutive games, and netting several against Ireland in past encounters.

Portugal’s squad includes key players like Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Rafael Leao, and a returning Nelson Semedo, although Joao Cancelo is sidelined due to injury.​ Joao Neves will also miss the match due to injury.

Ireland has had a tough start, notably losing 2-1 to Armenia and drawing 2-2 with Hungary. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson's side faces a steep challenge in Lisbon.

Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher stands out for Ireland despite conceding goals, making key saves in difficult matches.

Ireland’s World Cup qualification chances depend heavily on their away performance in matches such as this.

Possible starting XI

Portugal: D. Costa, N. Semedo, R. Veiga, R. Dias, N. Mendes, Vitinha, R. Neves, B. Silva, B. Fernandes, J. Félix, C. Ronaldo

Ireland: C. Kelleher, N. Collins, D. O'Shea, J. O'Brien, R. Manning, J. Molumby, J. Cullen, F. Azaz, J. Taylor, E. Ferguson, C. Ogbene

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