With two victories collected in its first two outings, Portugal has started this qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup perfectly. Roberto Martinez's team is even emerging as one of the most impressive teams in world football. Supported by its colony of European champions (the Parisians Vitinha, Nuno Mendes and Joao Neves all finished in the top 20 of the Ballon d'Or), the Lusitanian team relies on an impressive squad.
Neves will be missing for this October gathering, but the other Parisians are in sparkling form. Like the sum of individualities in the other lines. And like Cristiano Ronaldo, obviously. Still just as hungry, the top scorer in the history of the national selections will still seek to take the spotlight to get closer to the mythical bar of 1,000 career goals. Ireland will look to make a move by relying on a low block and counterattacks. The stage is set.
The expected compositions
Portugal : Costa; Mendes, Dias, Neves, Cancelo; Palhinha, Vitinha; Neto, Fernandes, Silva; Ronaldo.
Ireland: Kelleher; O'Shea, Collins, O'Brien; Manning, Knight, Cullen, Ogbene; Azaz, Taylor; Ferguson.
Where to watch the match?
This match between Portugal and Ireland counting for the qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup will be broadcast this Saturday evening on L'Equipe Live Foot, from 8:45 p.m.
