National Team Pursues 2026 World Cup Qualification on RTP
Portugal Eyes Crucial Wins in World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Portugal vs Republic of Ireland: A High-Stakes Match
Portugal is set to host the Republic of Ireland and Hungary in critical Group F matches for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. These encounters, scheduled at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, will kick off at 19:45. The Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak will officiate the match, as announced by UEFA. Kruzliak will be supported by assistants Branislav Hancko and Jan Pozor, while Dutchman Clay Ruperti will handle VAR duties.
Portugal’s Path to World Cup 2026 Qualification
Portugal can secure its ninth World Cup appearance, and seventh consecutive, by winning both matches and if Armenia fails to win against Hungary or Ireland. The group winner automatically qualifies for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 teams for the first time. The runner-up will need to navigate play-offs.
Dalot and Neves in Starting Lineup Against Ireland
For the clash with Ireland, manager Roberto Martínez has selected Diogo Dalot and Rúben Neves for the starting XI. With João Cancelo out due to injury, Dalot will replace him, winning a spot ahead of Nelson Semedo and Matheus Nunes. Neves fills in for João Neves, who also misses due to injury. Martínez retains the core of the team that beat Hungary 3-2 in September.
Starting XI and Strategic Insights
In the absence of Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in July in a car accident, the team will honor his memory in their home match at Alvalade. Diogo Costa will guard the net, with Dalot on the right, Nuno Mendes on the left, and Ruben Dias and Gonçalo Inácio as center-backs.
The midfield will feature Rúben Neves as the main defensive midfielder, supported by Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes. Upfront, left-footers Bernardo Silva and Pedro Neto will assist the captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 40-year-old forward has a chance to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualification rounds if he scores against Ireland.
Key Absences and Match Timing
João Félix, hampered by physical issues, and Nuno Tavares, not selected, will watch from the stands. The Portugal-Ireland game will commence at 19:45, with the same timing for the follow-up match against Hungary on Tuesday, again in Alvalade. Portugal aims to clinch direct qualification and avoid the uncertainties of play-offs.
