Republic of Ireland have won only one of their last nine meetings with Portugal, losing five, this a 1-0 friendly victory at Lansdowne Road two decades ago.
The Boys in Green have never won any of their six encounters on Portuguese soli, losing five of them, most recently smashed 3-0 in a friendly in Aveiro in June 2024; Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice.
Portugal vs Republic of Ireland preview
Can Portugal continue their perfect start to World Cup qualification? Last month, they began their campaign by demolishing Armenia 5-0 in Yerevan; João Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo both bagging braces. Three nights later, Portugal were made to work much harder for a 3-2 victory against Hungary at Puskás Aréna, but pinched the points in Budapest thanks to João Cancelo's late winner.
Roberto Martínez's team were always expected to comfortably top Group F, very much on course to achieve this, given that Portugal have qualified for all six World Cups this century to date, as well as each of the last eight European Championships, thereby boasting an imperious qualification record.
Once in North America next summer, Portugal will have to be considered among the favourites, aiming to reach a first World Cup semi-final since 1966. Earlier this year, Martínez's team picked up a second UEFA Nations League title, ousting hosts Germany 2-1 in the semi-finals before defeating Spain in the final on penalties in Munich. In summary, a home win is likely at Estádio José Alvalade.
As for Republic of Ireland, in stark contrast, a World Cup appearance has possibly never felt further away. The Boys in Green have not graced any major tournament since Euro 2016, their most recent World Cup outing coming at Japan and Korea 2002, a fact that won't be changing next summer.
Heimir Hallgrímsson's side actually made an encouraging start to this campaign, battling back from 2-0 down to draw with Hungary in Dublin. Evan Ferguson halved the deficit, before Adam Idah's stoppage time header sparked wild scenes at the Aviva. However, three days later, they suffered what many are describing as the worst result in Irish history, beaten 2-1 by Armenia at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium; Ferguson's goal back unable to spark a full-scale comeback.
Thus, even with four games to go, Ireland's top two hopes are hanging by a thread, concluding the campaign in Budapest against the leading candidates to secure second. This though is nothing new given that, dating back to October 2017, Ireland have won only 13 of 55 competitive internationals, only managing to beat Bulgaria, Finland, Gibraltar, Armenia, Scotland, Luxembourg, Azerbaijan and Georgia during this period. Thus, anything other than a heavy defeat in Lisbon would be a surprise.
Portugal vs Republic of Ireland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 16.
- Portugal Wins: 9. Draws: 3. Republic of Ireland Wins: 4.
Portugal team news
Roberto Martínez is without João Cancelo and João Neves, so Nélson Semedo is expected to get the nod at right-back, while Rúben Neves could be deployed at the base of midfield.
In attack, João Félix scored twice in Armenia, but then Bernardo Silva came in for the victory over Hungary, while Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição aren't bad alternatives.
Portugal predicted lineup vs Republic of Ireland: (4-3-3): Costa; Semedo, Inácio, Rúben Dias, Mendes; Rúben Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, João Félix, Ronaldo.
Portugal player to watch vs Republic of Ireland
Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 141 international goals, of which four have come against Ireland, bagging braces the last two times the Boys in Green have visited Portugal, so he'll fancy his chances of increasing that tally at Estádio José Alvalade.
Republic of Ireland team news
Under pressure Heimir Hallgrímsson travels to Lisbon without Matt Doherty, Liam Scales, Callum O'Dowda, Andrew Omobamidele, Jason Knight and Sammie Szmodics.
As was the case last month, Jake O'Brien could continue to get the nod over Everton team mate Séamus Coleman at right-back, while, having both scored last month, it'll be interesting to see if Adam Idah and Evan Ferguson are deployed up front together.
Republic of Ireland predicted lineup vs Portugal: (4-4-2): Kelleher; O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea, Manning; Cullen, Molumby, Smallbone, Ogbene; Idah, Ferguson.
Republic of Ireland player to watch vs Portugal
Had it not been for Caoimhín Kelleher, who made six saves in Yerevan, Ireland's defeat to Armenia would have been even more ignominious. If they harbour any hopes of a positive result in Lisbon, he will have to be at his brilliant best.
Portugal vs Republic of Ireland prediction
As outlined throughout, we cannot see any other outcome then a resounding home win at the José Alvalade, Portugal likely to swat Ireland aside on Saturday night: Portugal 3-0 Republic of Ireland.
Portugal vs Republic of Ireland FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Portugal vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Portugal vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- Ireland: RTÉ 2
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Portugal vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Portugal vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- Ireland: RTÉ Player
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Portugal vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification?
Portugal vs Republic of Ireland takes place on Saturday 11 October 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).