On Thursday, November 13, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the matchday 5 fixture of Group F for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers will take place between Ireland and Portugal — two national teams in search of crucial points to secure their spot for the North American tournament. The home side, led by Heimir Hallgrimsson, aims for a victory that would keep them in the race for second place, currently occupied by Hungary and just one point ahead. However, they will need an extraordinary performance against the Portuguese, who — despite a minor setback in their last match against Armenia — remain one of the strongest and most entertaining teams in Europe, driven by talents such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leao. Portugal, top of the group and still unbeaten, needs only one point to mathematically secure first place and confirm their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. With two matches left, the stakes are high for both sides: Ireland seeks a miracle to stay in the playoff race, while Roberto Martínez’s team looks to seal the group, confirming their outstanding form that also led them to triumph in the latest UEFA Nations League.

Ireland's recent form and key statistics

With their 1-0 victory over Armenia on October 14, thanks to a goal from Evan Ferguson, Ireland ended a two-game losing streak suffered away against Armenia (2-1) and Portugal (1-0). This success allowed Hallgrimsson’s side to keep their hopes alive for second place, closing the gap to just one point behind Hungary.

Ireland have collected 4 points from their first four Group F fixtures, with 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 defeats, averaging 1 goal scored and 1.25 conceded per match. The national team struggles to convert scoring opportunities while often allowing too much space to their opponents, having kept a clean sheet only once so far.

At home, Ireland are unbeaten in their last four matches, with 3 wins and 1 draw, averaging 1.5 goals scored and 0.75 conceded per game. Defensively, they look far more solid when playing in front of their home fans.

Portugal's recent form and key statistics

Portugal are among the most in-form national teams in international football, having lost only two of their last 29 matches across all competitions. In their latest outing, on October 14, the Seleção disappointed expectations, drawing 2-2 at home against Hungary, thus postponing their mathematical qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

In their first four World Cup Qualifying fixtures, Portugal have earned 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw), averaging 2.75 goals scored and 1 conceded per game. Roberto Martinez’s side continues to prove itself as an attacking powerhouse, once again led by Cristiano Ronaldo (5 goals in the World Cup Qualifiers).

The Portuguese have won their last three away matches — against Germany, Armenia, and Hungary — scoring a total of 10 goals and conceding 3. In all three of these away fixtures, Ronaldo and his teammates have scored at least twice.

Ireland vs Portugal prediction by BetMines

The BetMines prediction clearly leans toward a Portugal victory, as they chase the win that would send them directly to the 2026 World Cup finals. The visitors’ win is given a 60% probability, while Ireland’s potential upset does not exceed 18%.

Portugal are unbeaten in their last three head-to-heads, collecting two wins and one draw, with an average of 1 goal scored and 0.3 conceded per match. The first-leg fixture, played on October 11, saw Roberto Martinez’s side triumph 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Ruben Neves.

Although the visitors are clear favorites, it’s expected to be a tight and hard-fought match, as the home side desperately need points to stay in the race for second place.

BetMines tips include betting on Under 2.5 goals and “both teams not to score,” each with a 54% probability. The prediction for a low-scoring match is also influenced by the confirmed absence of Evan Ferguson, Ireland’s top scorer in the World Cup Qualifiers with 3 goals.

Probable lineups Ireland vs Portugal

IRELAND (3-4-2-1): Kelleher; O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Johnston; Ebosele, Azaz; Parrott. Coach: Hallgrimsson.

PORTUGAL (4-3-3): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao. Coach: Martinez.