We have a Portugal v Republic of Ireland prediction for you, plus a breakdown of the betting odds, team news and matchups ahead of Saturday’s World Cup Qualifier.
Portugal are unbeaten in their last five matches, which includes a perfect two wins from two in this group.
Ireland showed resilience to fight back for a 2-2 against Hungary in the last window, but that was followed by a dismal showing in a 2-1 defeat to Armenia.
Betting Odds
Portugal v Republic of Ireland Betting Odds - World Cup Qualifying 2025/26
Team | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Portugal | 1/7 | 38.5% |
Republic of Ireland | 16/1 | 37% |
Draw | 13/2 | 33.3% |
Portugal can be backed at 1/7 favourites to continue their pitch-perfect start to World Cup qualifying. Ireland are huge underdogs and can be gotten at a massive 16/1 to flip the narrative behind their qualifying aspirations, and the draw is also currently priced at 13/2.
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
Portugal vs Republic of Ireland Prediction – World Cup Qualifying 25/26
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Handicap Betting
Portugal: -2 - 6/5
Republic of Ireland +2 – 8/5
Handicap Draw -2 @ 14/5
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How To Watch
How To Watch Republic of Ireland v Portugal
This match kicks off at 19:45 British Summer Time in the Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon and will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2.
Form Guide
Portugal Form Guide
Portugal’s Form Guide
Spaniard Roberto Martinez has been the manager of Portugal since his appointment in January 2023, which was his second foray into International Management after his six-year spell with Belgium from 2016-2022. Interestingly, despite bringing them to a Nations League success last June and a win-rate of 71.88% with 23 wins from 32 games. Martinez has still received criticism for whether he’s the man to guide them to major trophies.
Portugal (on paper at least) have one of the strongest squads in International Football with superstar names along with “stars of the future” present across almost every possible position. Their latest squad is a perfect example of balance, with experienced campaigners Ronaldo (40), Silva (31), Fernandes (31), complemented by the likes of Mendes (23), Conceição (22) and Silva (21)
While they opened the year with a 1-0 defeat to Denmark, they’ve since bounced back to go unbeaten in their last 5, with 4 wins and 1 draw, which they would go on to win the Nations League against Spain 5-3 on penalties.
Portugal’s Last Five Results
Hungary 2-3 Portugal | September 9th | Win
Armenia 0-5 Portugal | September 6th | Win
Portugal 2-2 Spain | June 8th | Draw
Germany 1-2 Portugal | June 4th | Win
Portugal 5-2 Denmark | March 23rd | Win
4 Wins and 1 Draw
Ireland Form Guide
Republic of Ireland’s Form Guide
Heimir Hallgrímsson is only in the Republic of Ireland manager a little over a year since his initial appointment in July 2024, but it already feels like the Icelander could be on borrowed time in the role. Despite signs of improvement in their two-legged victory over Bulgaria to avoid relegation in the Nations League and a respectable 1-1 draw in a friendly against Senegal, the defeat to Armenia in the last camp puts them in an exceptionally difficult qualifying position.
Plenty of bones of contention exist when it comes to Irish football, including the prevailing narrative that we “simply don’t have the players they once had”. There’s certainly credence to the argument, but under predecessor Stephen Kenny, a strong core was developed, which should be able to beat, let’s say, Armenia, certainly in 2025. The likes of Ferguson (20), Parrott (23), Collins (24) and Kelleher (26) are all playing at a decent club level and have 110 International caps between them. The disconnect between the club and international performances for the vast majority of our squad now is starting to become inexcusable.
The last window was a tale of two halves, and in some way reflective of the team under Heimir. Their impressive fight back against Hungary to get a 2-2 at Aviva gave them hope, but the following defeat 2-1 to Armenia means there’s little to no room for error if Ireland are to stand any chance of going to USA in 2026
Republic of Ireland’s Last Five Results
Armenia 2-1 Republic of Ireland | September 9th | Loss
Republic of Ireland 2-2 Hungary | September 6th | Draw
Luxembourg 0-0 Republic of Ireland | June 10th | Draw
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Senegal | June 6th | Draw
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria | March 23rd | Win
3 Draws, 1 Win and 1 Loss
Predicted Line Ups
Portugal v Republic of Ireland Predicted Lineups
Portugal Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
GK: Costa
RB: Semedo, CB: Veiga, CB Dias, LB: Mendes
CM: Vitinha, CM: Neves
RW: Silva, AM: Fernandes, LW: Felix
CF: Ronaldo
Republic of Ireland Predicted Starting XI (3-5-2)
GK: Kelleher
RCB: Collins, CB: Egan, LCB: O’Shea
RM: Festy, DM: Cullen, CM: Molumby, CM: Smallbone, LM: Manning
CF: Ogbene, CF: Ferguson
Head-To-Head
Portugal v Republic of Ireland Head-To-Head Results & Stats
All-Time Head-To-Head Record
Portugal wins: 9
Republic of Ireland wins: 4
Draws: 3
Head-To-Head Results
Portugal 3-0 Republic of Ireland | Friendly | June 11th, 2024
Republic of Ireland 0-0 Portugal | World Cup Qualifying | November 11th, 2021
Portugal 2-1 Republic of Ireland | World Cup Qualifying | September 1st, 2021
Republic of Ireland 1-5 Portugal | Friendly | June 10th, 2014
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Portugal | Friendly | February 9th, 2005
Key Players To Watch
Key Players To Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
Despite receiving plenty of backlash about his “decline” and the way he’s had to reinvent his game. At the ripe old age of 40, CR7 remains arguably one of the most effective goal scorers on the planet. This season with Al-Nassr, he has 5 Goals and 1 assist across 6 Games.
The Portuguese Captain has 141 Goals in 223 Games for his country, including 6 Goals in 6 Games in 2025. It’s hard to see why someone so clinical continues to draw opposing opinions about whether he’s a net positive or net negative for Portugal.
Chiedozie Ogbene - Republic of Ireland
If Ireland is to stand any chance of getting a result in Portugal, Chiedozie Ogbene will be integral to their chance. His pace, power and directness terrorised Portugal in their 0-0 draw in the Aviva back in November 2021. He missed their most recent clash, which Ireland lost 3-0, and I think there’s more than a thread of credence to the theory we missed Ogbene in that game.
While we could see versatile Ogbene at wing-back on Saturday, I think he’s the perfect foil to partner Ferguson up front with his relentless pressing and energy both a huge threat but would also allow Ireland to defend from the front.
Prediction & Best Bet
Portugal v Republic of Ireland Prediction & Best Bets
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Portugal head into this fixture with a faultless qualifying record and World Class squad from top to bottom, which will make them heavy favourites to continue said record on Saturday Night.
For Ireland, it’s now 23 years since their last appearance at a World Cup in 2002 and with the odds are against them following the last International Window, they’re almost at the point where a point or a win in this game would be needed to stand any chance of ending the drought (though not quite).
Portugal have too much class in my book not to get over the line, even if we see a bounce back performance from the Irish following their recent defeat to Armenia.
Portugal To Score In Both Halves @ 5/4
Republic of Ireland or Draw @ 9/2
First Goal Scorer Cristiano Ronaldo @ 2/1
To Be Booked Chiedozie Ogbene @ 4/1
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*Prices are subject to fluctuation
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