Portugal are unbeaten in five meetings with the Republic of Ireland, winning four of them, albeit their most-recent visited to Dublin only yielded a goalless draw four years ago.
Overall though, the Boys in Green have won only one of their last ten encounters, their most-recent competitive victory over Portugal coming during Euro '96 qualifying, prevailing 1-0 thanks to an Vítor Baía own goal at Lansdowne Road.
Republic of Ireland vs Portugal preview
Can Portugal cement their World Cup spot in Dublin? Roberto Martínez's team began this campaign with three successive victories, including a last-gasp win when Ireland visited Lisbon last month, with Rúben Neves pinching the points in injury time. Thus, they could have rubber stamped their ticket to North America last time out, but were held to a 2-2 draw by Hungary at Estádio José Alvalade. Cristiano Ronaldo bagging a brace, only for the visitors to snatch a draw right at the death.
Nevertheless, Portugal still remain five points clear at the top of Group F, very much on the brink of qualification, especially considering bottom side Armenia will visit Estádio do Dragão on Sunday. Earlier this year, Martínez' men won the UEFA Nations League, beating Spain on penalties in the final in Munich, underlining that they have to be considered among the favourites for World Cup glory next summer. Here, will Portugal pick up the three points they require to secure top spot?
As for Republic of Ireland, they need a result to keep alive their extremely slim hopes of a first World Cup appearance since 2002. Back in September, the Boys in Green suffered, many would argue, the most embarrassing defeat of their entire history, losing 2-1 against Armenia in Yerevan. This led to many calling for Heimir Hallgrímsson to be sacked, prior to improved performances last month.
First, Ireland came agonisingly close to a famous point in Lisbon, Caoimhín Kelleher saving a Ronaldo penalty, only to, as already mentioned, concede a heartbreaking goal in stoppage time. Then, they belatedly claimed their first victory of the campaign, with Evan Ferguson's goal enough to defeat ten-man Armenia 1-0 at the Aviva. So, to stand any chance of reaching the play-offs, Ireland must avoid defeat here and then beat Hungary at the Puskás Aréna on Sunday, which is very unlikely, but supporters will certainly be behind their team, both here and in Budapest. So, can the Boys in Green claim an historic victory over one of the World Cup favourites in Dublin on Thursday night ?
Republic of Ireland vs Portugal head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 17.
- Republic of Ireland Wins: 4. Draws: 3. Portugal Wins: 10.
Republic of Ireland team news
Heimir Hallgrímsson is without Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby, after both picked up their second yellow cards of the campaign against Armenia, but Josh Cullen can return, having served a suspension of his own in that win.
Elsewhere, Evan Ferguson and Sammie Szmodics are out injured, while captain Séamus Coleman is set to win his 76th cap. New York City FC defender Kevin O'Toole and Celtic striker Johnny Kenny will both be hoping to make their senior international debuts at some point during this week.
Republic of Ireland predicted lineup vs Portugal: (3-4-2-1): Kelleher; O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Smallbone, Ogbene; Ebosele, Azaz Idah.
Republic of Ireland player to watch vs Portugal
In the absence of Ferguson, Adam Idah is likely to lead the line. All six of his international goals have come at the Aviva, so can he bag a famous one on Thursday?
Portugal team news
Bruno Fernandes is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, while Roberto Martínez is also without injured left-back Nuno Mendes.
Bernardo Silva will win his 106th cap, only seven Portuguese man have more, with Pedro Neto and João Félix set to complete a star-studded forward line; Rafael Leão, Francisco Conceição and Francisco Trincão are not bad alternatives.
Portugal predicted lineup vs Republic of Ireland: (4-2-3-1): Costa; Dalot, Rúben Dias, A Silva, Cancelo; João Neves, Rúben Neves, B Silva, João Félix, Neto; Ronaldo.
Portugal player to watch vs Republic of Ireland
Cristiano Ronaldo's tally of five goals in this World Cup qualification campaign takes his tally to 143 for his country. Of these, four have come against Republic of Ireland, but he has never found the net in Dublin, so can he change that fact on Thursday?
Republic of Ireland vs Portugal prediction
We are forecasting a comfortable victory for Portugal on Thursday. Ireland lack attacking firepower, while the same certainly is not true of the table topping visitors: Republic of Ireland 0-2 Portugal.
Republic of Ireland vs Portugal FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Republic of Ireland vs Portugal in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Republic of Ireland vs Portugal in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- Ireland: RTÉ2
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Republic of Ireland vs Portugal in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Republic of Ireland vs Portugal in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- Ireland: RTÉ Player
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Republic of Ireland vs Portugal in World Cup qualification?
Republic of Ireland vs Portugal takes place on Thursday 13 November 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (GMT), 14:45 (ET) & 11:45 (PT).