Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play for Portugal Against Ireland in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

Exciting Clash: Portugal Set to Host Ireland in World Cup Qualifier
Portugal Leads Group F as They Face Ireland
This Saturday, October 11, promises an exhilarating encounter in European football as Portugal takes on Ireland at Estádio José Alvalade. The match is part of the seventh round of Group F in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Under the guidance of coach Roberto Martínez, Portugal sits atop Group F with a perfect score of six points from two matches. In stark contrast, Ireland holds the last position with just one point. Portugal’s performance thus far has them eyeing a potential victory that would bring them closer to securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo Aims for Record Milestone
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be the offensive linchpin for the Portuguese team. The star forward, currently playing for Al-Nassr, has already notched up an impressive three goals in the first two UEFA qualification matches. Aiming for yet another milestone in his illustrious career, Ronaldo seeks to become the all-time leading goal scorer in European qualifiers, needing just one more goal to claim the record in solitude.
Unmatched Performance Against Ireland
Portugal’s track record against Ireland is notably favorable. In their last four encounters, Portugal has remained undefeated, securing three victories — two of which were commanding wins (5-1 and 3-0) — and a 2-1 triumph, along with a 0-0 draw.
- Portugal’s victories over Ireland: 5-1, 3-0, 2-1.
- Last match ended with a 0-0 draw.
Ronaldo’s Recent Scoring Exploits
In the ongoing qualifiers, Ronaldo showcased his prowess with two goals in a decisive 5-0 victory against Armenia. His goals have broken down as follows:
- Two goals in the 5-0 win over Armenia.
- One goal in the 3-2 win over Hungary.
With a career total of 25 braces in 223 games for Portugal, Ronaldo’s form remains pivotal as his team presses forward on the road to the World Cup.
Emegypt will continue to update this story as more details unfold. Stay tuned for further coverage of this high-octane match.