Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card seals Portugal’s fate as they lose 2-0 to Ireland, missing another chance to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup

That wraps up our live coverage of the World Cup qualifier between Ireland and Portugal. Portugal fell 2-0, with Cristiano Ronaldo receiving a red card. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage of the qualifiers!

Ireland defeated Portugal 2-0 in the World Cup qualifiers thanks to two goals from Troy Parrott. Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for an off-the-ball strike.

Portugal’s forward fired a shot that went just wide of the post.

Portugal will have until the 97th minute to try and score two goals.

Goncalo Ramos had a clear chance, but the goalkeeper made a brilliant save to send the ball out for a corner.

After Ronaldo’s red card, Portugal have failed to break through Ireland’s defense.

Goncalo Ramos comes on for Joao Neves.

The Portugal forward received a red card for an off-the-ball challenge on O’Shea.

Jack Taylor has been booked for the home side.

Rafael Leao and Francisco Trincao come on for Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva.

After a VAR review, the referee overturned the yellow card and sent Ronaldo off for a challenge on O’Shea.

The VAR has called the referee to review a possible red card for Portugal’s star.

The Portugal forward received a yellow card for a foul on O’Shea.

As for much of the first half, Portugal are controlling possession but can’t find any gaps in the opposition’s defense.

Before the Ireland vs. Portugal match, Hungary beat Armenia 1-0. With these results, the Group F standings in the World Cup qualifiers are: Portugal on top with 10 points, Hungary (in a playoff spot) with 8, Ireland with 7, and Armenia with 3.

Portugal came close from a corner, but the PSG midfielder astonishingly missed a clear chance.

Goncalo Inacio and Joao Cancelo have been taken off, with Nelson Semedo and Renato Veiga coming on in their place.

Ireland are leading 2-0 against Portugal in the World Cup qualifiers.

Ireland are leading 2-0 against Portugal in the World Cup qualifiers, with both goals scored by Troy Parrott.

Troy Parrott scores again for the hosts, this time with a low shot that Diogo Costa couldn’t stop.

First Bernardo Silva and then Diogo Dalot had chances, but neither could find the target.

Azaz was booked for Ireland after a foul on Ruben Dias.

After a cross from the right, the Al Nassr forward headed just over the bar.

Ogbene fired from inside the box, but his shot smashed off the post.

Portugal are dominating possession but can’t break through their opponents’ defensive wall.

Joao Neves fired from outside the box, but the ball went just wide.

The Al Hilal midfielder fired from outside the box, but Kelleher controlled it easily.

Ogbene fired from inside the box, but Costa controlled the ball.

After a corner kick, two headers inside the box set up Troy Parrott, who scored the opener.

Diogo Costa came up big to deny a clear chance for Ireland.

A cutback from Diogo Dalot found Cristiano, but his strike had too much power and flew over the crossbar.

Portugal had a free kick that Ronaldo took, but his shot hit the wall and went out for a corner kick.

In addition to the key absence of Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended after reaching the yellow card limit, Portugal are also without another one of their top stars — Nuno Mendes. The Paris Saint-Germain left-back was left out of Roberto Martinez’s squad due to physical issues and will also miss Sunday’s match against Armenia.

The action has kicked off in Dublin. Ireland and Portugal begin their World Cup qualifier.

Portugal currently lead the standings in Group F of the World Cup qualifiers with 10 points. Behind them are Hungary (5), Ireland (4), and Armenia (3). With only two matches remaining, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates have a strong chance to secure qualification this Thursday.

If they beat Ireland, they will officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They could even achieve it with a draw, provided Hungary fail to beat Armenia. Otherwise, Portugal can still secure qualification next Sunday when they face Armenia.

Thursday’s World Cup qualifier between Ireland and Portugal will take place at the Aviva Stadium. The venue, located in Dublin, has a capacity of over 50,000 spectators. It opened in 2010 and had a construction cost of €410 million (around $475 million).

The Aviva Stadium is primarily used by the Irish rugby union team and the Republic of Ireland soccer team, which both call it home. Among other events, it has hosted the UEFA Europa League finals in 2021 and 2024. Additionally, it will be one of the venues for UEFA Euro 2028.

A general view of the inside of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

Portugal will be missing several key players for Thursday’s World Cup qualifier. The most notable absence is Bruno Fernandes, who must serve a one-match suspension after reaching the yellow card limit. Additionally, head coach Roberto Martinez will also be without injured players Pedro Neto, Pedro Goncalves, and Nuno Mendes.

Ireland and Portugal will face off at 2:45 PM (ET).

You can watch the World Cup qualifier live on FS2, Fubo and ViX.

This is the starting XI chosen by head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson to face Portugal: Caoimhin Kelleher; Jake O’Brien, Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea; Seamus Coleman, Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor, Finn Azaz, Liam Scales; Chiedozie Ogbene, Troy Parrott.

Head coach Roberto Martinez has chosen this starting XI to face Ireland: Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Diogo Dalot; Ruben Neves, Joao Neves, Vitinha; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix.

Welcome to our live blog for the match between Ireland and Portugal on Matchday 5 of Group F in the European World Cup qualifiers. Stay with us for minute-by-minute coverage of the match!