After their recent draw against Hungary, Portugal prepare to face Ireland in their fifth game of the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Undefeated so far, Roberto Martinez’s team needs a win today to secure their spot in the anticipated tournament, maintaining their lead in Group F. With this scenario, fans are keenly focused on Cristiano Ronaldo’s status for the match, as his scoring prowess will be vital to clinching victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo arrives in top form for Portugal’s match after scoring a goal with Al Nassr against NEOM SC in the Saudi Pro League. In peak physical condition and having scored in the national team’s previous two World Cup qualifiers games, he will be fielded again by coach Roberto Martinez, given his impressive scoring ability. Remarkably, the 40-year-old veteran is the top scorer on the roster, with five goals.
Portugal have established themselves as one of UEFA’s strongest national teams, having recently won the Nations League. Since the arrival of coach Roberto Martinez, they have perfectly blended the experience of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva with the youth of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and others, making them the favorite to clinch the key victory that could secure their World Cup spot.
Ireland hold a more difficult spot, as they remain in third position in Group F. For this reason, they need to beat Portugal in today’s game and wait for Armenia to beat Hungary to claim the second position. Nonetheless, winning against Cristiano Ronaldo’s team will not be an easy task, as Evan Ferguson, their top scorer, will be absent from today’s game. With this in mind, Troy Parrott will be poised to lead the offense, expecting an impressive performance.
Portugal players applauding fans.
Portugal lineup vs. Ireland
Although they are clear favorites to win, Portugal come into the game with some significant absences. Coach Roberto Martinez will be without Pedro Neto, Pedro Goncalves, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes, leaving his lineup severely weakened. However, they have the depth necessary to make a difference, and with Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring ability, they are one of the most dangerous teams.
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With this in mind, Portugal will lineup as follows: Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Diogo Dalot; Ruben Neves, Joao Neves, Vitinha; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix.
Ireland lineup vs. Portugal
Like Portugal, Ireland also arrive with some painful absences ahead of the game. Neither Evan Ferguson nor Mark Sykes will be available to coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. In the absence of their top scorer, Troy Parrott will step into the spotlight up front looking to make a difference. However, they maintain their defensive strength as their best asset.
With this in mind, Ireland will line up as follows: Caoimhin Kelleher; Jake O’Brien, Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea; Seamus Coleman, Josh Cullen, Finn Azaz, Jack Taylor; Chiedozie Ogbene, Troy Parrott.
