The FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA Group F campaign features an intriguing and crucial encounter as the Republic of Ireland host Portugal at the Aviva Stadium. This fixture, scheduled for November 13, 2025, is one of the penultimate matches in the group. For the Boys in Green, who sit mid-table in a tight race for the second-place play-off spot, a victory at home is essential to boost their standing against rivals Hungary and Armenia.
They face a formidable Portugal side, who are currently leading the group with an almost perfect record, needing only a single point from their remaining games to mathematically guarantee automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ireland’s strong defensive resilience at home, particularly in recent competitive matches against Portugal, sets the stage for a tense contest between Portugal’s relentless attack and Ireland’s determined defence.
Match Details
This midweek match is a crucial fixture in the final rounds of the UEFA World Cup qualification tournament for Group F.
DetailInformationCompetitionFIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFAPhaseGroup F – Matchday 5DateThursday, November 13, 2025Kick-off7:45 PM UK Time (19:45 UTC)VenueAviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Team Form and Analysis for Republic of Ireland
World Cup Qualifying Performance and Play-off Hopes
The Republic of Ireland are currently in 3rd position in Group F with 4 points from four matches, a record of one win, one draw, and two losses.
Under manager Heimir Hallgrímsson, the Irish side has shown fighting spirit despite a tough start to the campaign. Their form includes a recent and crucial 1-0 home victory against Armenia and a dramatic 2-2 home draw against Hungary. However, their two losses came against their immediate rivals, a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Portugal and a disappointing 2-1 away loss to Armenia. The Boys in Green have historically been defensively resolute in Dublin, including a 0-0 draw against Portugal in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers. They will be heavily relying on their disciplined back line and the energy of their home support at the Aviva Stadium to frustrate the heavily favoured Portuguese side and secure the vital points needed to keep pace with Hungary in the race for the play-off spot.
Key Player: Evan Ferguson
Striker Evan Ferguson is the primary source of goals and attacking inspiration for the Republic of Ireland. The young forward has already scored three goals in the qualification campaign, showcasing his lethal finishing and physical presence. Unfortunately, as per recent reports, Ferguson has been ruled out of this crucial match against Portugal due to injury, which is a massive blow to the Irish team’s attacking aspirations. In his absence, the focus shifts to other attacking players, but his goal-scoring threat and ability to occupy defenders will be severely missed. Should he be a late inclusion, his presence would immediately elevate Ireland’s chances, but without him, the team must find a new cutting edge.
Team Form and Analysis for Portugal
World Cup Qualifying Campaign and Dominant Lead
Portugal are currently in 1st position in Group F with 10 points from four matches. Their record stands at three wins, one draw, and zero losses, making them the only unbeaten team in the group.
Under manager Roberto Martínez, Seleção das Quinas (The Selection of the Shields) have been dominant, maintaining a high-scoring average. Their form includes a recent, hard-fought 1-0 home victory against the Republic of Ireland in October 2025, secured by a late Rúben Neves goal, and a 5-0 thrashing of Armenia. Their only dropped points came from a surprising 2-2 home draw against Hungary, despite two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal’s strength lies in its immense quality across the pitch, particularly in attack, where they boast one of the highest goal tallies in the entire UEFA qualification tournament. A win or draw here will confirm their automatic qualification, making the team highly motivated to secure the necessary result with a professional, controlling performance.
Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Forward Cristiano Ronaldo remains the iconic figure and prolific goalscorer for the Portuguese national team. Despite missing a penalty in the last encounter against Ireland, Ronaldo has scored five goals in the current World Cup Qualifiers, once again positioning himself as one of the top goalscorers in the competition. His experience, relentless work ethic, and devastating finishing ability, particularly from inside the box, make him the player Ireland must contain at all costs. His presence alone dictates the pace of the Portuguese attack and draws significant defensive attention.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The overall head-to-head record slightly favours Portugal, though Ireland has often proven to be a difficult opponent, especially at home.
MetricRepublic of Ireland WinsDrawsPortugal WinsTotal Competitive Meetings (Since 2000)032Recent WCQ Result (Oct 2025)Portugal 1-0 Ireland (H)Ireland’s Home WCQ Record vs Portugal0 wins2 draws0 losses
The two nations have a history of tight, competitive matches. In their five World Cup Qualifying encounters, Portugal has won two, and three have ended in draws. Ireland has never lost a competitive home game against Portugal, recording a 0-0 draw in 2021 and a 1-1 draw in 2001. However, the most recent competitive clash was Portugal’s narrow 1-0 home win in October 2025, which saw Portugal score in stoppage time after an Irish defensive masterclass. This history confirms Ireland’s capacity for stubborn defence, but also Portugal’s ability to find a late breakthrough.
Players to Watch
Republic of Ireland
Caoimhín Kelleher (Goalkeeper): The goalkeeper is an exceptional shot-stopper and often performs heroics on the international stage, including saving a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo in the last meeting. His performance will be pivotal in keeping the Irish in the game.
Nathan Collins (Defender): The central defender is a key pillar in the Irish three-man defence. His aerial dominance, pace, and willingness to step out with the ball will be vital for organizing the defence and containing the runs of Portugal’s dynamic attackers.
Portugal
Bernardo Silva (Midfielder/Winger): The Manchester City star is the creative engine for Portugal. His exceptional close control, vision, and ability to operate in tight spaces are essential for unlocking the compact Irish defence. His link-up play with Ronaldo will be a constant threat.
Rúben Dias (Centre-Back): The world-class defender is the anchor of the Portuguese defence. His organization, aggression, and ability to nullify counter-attacks are vital. He will ensure Portugal maintains defensive solidity as they push forward for goals.
Prediction
Portugal’s quest for automatic qualification makes them highly motivated, and their superior individual quality is undeniable. However, the Republic of Ireland is known for its incredible resilience at the Aviva Stadium, especially against Portugal, as evidenced by their three-game unbeaten competitive home streak against them. The absence of Evan Ferguson is a severe blow to Ireland’s chances of scoring. Portugal is expected to dominate possession, but breaking down the Irish defence will be a challenge. Ultimately, Portugal’s attacking depth and the desperation to secure qualification should see them through, but likely in a hard-fought, low-scoring affair.
Score Prediction: Republic of Ireland 0-1 Portugal
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This critical FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA match is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player streaming service.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be available to watch and stream live on Viaplay Sports or other broadcasters holding the rights for this specific UEFA qualifying fixture.
In the United States (US), the match is typically available to watch and stream live on FOX Sports networks or their associated streaming services like Fubo TV or ViX+.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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