We have a Republic of Ireland v Portugal prediction for you, plus a breakdown of the betting odds, team news and matchups ahead of Thursday’s World Cup Qualifier in Dublin.
Ireland comes into this fixture likely needing at least a point in order to stay in realistic qualifying contention.
Portugal are on the cusp of World Cup qualification, where Ronaldo announced last week that it would be his final appearance for Portugal.
Betting Odds
Republic of Ireland v Portugal Betting Odds - World Cup Qualifying 2025/26
Team | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Republic of Ireland | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Portugal | 2/5 | 71.4% |
Draw | 16/5 | 23.8% |
Ireland can be backed at odds of 6/1 ahead of their Aviva encounter on Thursday Night. Portugal are priced as 2/5 favourites and the draw is priced at 16/5.
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
Poll Entry
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Handicap Betting
Republic of Ireland: +1 - 7/4
Portugal -1 – 5/4
Handicap Draw +1 @ 12/5
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How To Watch
How To Watch Republic of Ireland v Portugal
This match kicks off at 19:45 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2.
Form Guide
Republic of Ireland Form Guide
Republic of Ireland Form Guide
It’s do-or-die for Heimir Hallgrímsson; he must mastermind results against Portugal and Hungary in the next four days, secure a playoff place for March, or his contract certainly won’t be renewed by the FAI. Though if you removed context and said we’d be in control of a playoff place approaching the final International Window of the year, most would’ve bitten your hand off to be in that position.
Last month against Portugal, it was another heroic performance against a top international side, which still ultimately failed when Ruben Neves's later 91st-minute winner prevented what would have been an exceptional away draw for Ireland in terms of qualifying. It was a performance where the Irish rode their luck, though, with the game ending with 30 shots to 2 and Kelleher having to save a Ronaldo penalty, which had been acrimoniously given.
Ahead of this fixture, Heimir will have to deal with several selection issues with Molumby and Manning suspended, Ferguson and Sykes out of the squad through injury, which has led to three uncapped Senior Players being called up latest “granny rule” recruit Kevin O’Toole, Celtic striker Johnny Kenny and Ireland U21 all-time capped footballer Conor Coventry.
Republic of Ireland’s Last Five Results
Republic of Ireland 1-0 Armenia | October 14th | Win
Portugal 1-0 Republic of Ireland | October 11th | Loss
Armenia 2-1 Republic of Ireland | September 9th | Loss
Republic of Ireland 2-2 Hungary | September 6th | Draw
Luxembourg 0-0 Republic of Ireland | September 6th | Draw
1 Win, 2 Draws and 2 Losses
Portugal’s Form Guide
Portugal’s Form Guide
Martinez has managed Portugal since he took the reins on the 9th of January 2023, and though he’s come under considerable criticism for his perceived tactical naivety and continued insistence on playing an ever-ageing Ronaldo. He still boasts an exceptional managerial record at the helm, guiding them to 24 victories, 6 draws and only 4 defeats for a win-rate of 70.59% from his 34 games in charge.
This Portugal squad is the envy of most international football sides, with superstar names along with “stars of the future” present across almost every possible position. Ronaldo (40), Silva (30) and Fernandes (30) all complemented in their latest squad by Neves (21), Silva (22 ), Conceição (22) and Ramos (24).
It doesn’t matter what side Portugal put out against Ireland; they will go into this game as heavy favourites and with good reason. However, they’ve been frustrated by the Irish before, particularly in Dublin and will have to tread with caution and professionalism on Thursday, though avoiding defeat could be enough to secure the group win, depending on the results in the earlier Armenia vs Hungary fixture.
Portugal’s Last Five Results
Portugal 2-2 Hungary | October 14th | Draw
Portugal 1-0 Republic of Ireland | October 11th | Win
Hungary 2-3 Portugal | September 9th | Win
Armenia 0-5 Portugal | September 6th | Win
Portugal 2-2 Spain | June 8th | Draw
3 Wins and 2 Draws
Predicted Line Ups
Republic of Ireland v Portugal Predicted Lineups
Republic of Ireland Predicted Starting XI (5-4--1)
GK: Kelleher
RB: Coleman, RCB: O’Brien, CB: Egan, LCB: Collins, LB: O’Shea
RM: Festy, CM: Cullen, CM: Taylor. LM: Ogbene
CF: Parrott
Portugal Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3)
GK: Costa
RB: Semedo, CB: Dias, CB Silva, LB: Dalot
RM: Silva, CM: Neves, LM: Vitinha
RW: Neto, CF: Ronaldo, LW: Leão
Head-To-Head
Republic of Ireland v Portugal Head-To-Head Results & Stats
All-Time Head-To-Head Record
Portugal wins: 10
Republic of Ireland wins: 4
Draws: 3
Head-To-Head Last Five Results
Portugal 1-0 Republic of Ireland | World Cup Qualifying | October 11th, 2025
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
Key Players To Watch
Key Players To Watch
Troy Parrott - Republic of Ireland
With Evan Ferguson missing out on this huge qualifier, Troy Parrott looks the most likely to lead the line against Portugal. The former Tottenham man has been prolific for AZ Alkmaar this season, with 13 goals and 2 assists in just 14 games and 928 minutes. Chances may be limited in this game, but there’s nobody better placed to score for Ireland, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him add to his five goals from 31 caps.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal
It couldn’t be anyone else, could it? Portugal’s highest capped player with 225 appearances and all-time scorer with 143, Cristiano Ronaldo, will be looking to add to his never-ending tally on Thursday. Despite criticism for how he affects the Portuguese “style of play,” he remains as effective in front of goal as ever, with 8 goals in 8 appearances in 2025 for Portugal.
Prediction & Best Bet
Republic of Ireland v Portugal Prediction & Best Bet
Prediction: Republic of Ireland 1-1 Portugal
Ireland have been known to put in a performance against the perceived “bigger nations” under successive regimes, but will need everything to go their way in this game to come away with everything.
The Portuguese are a serious side and will have far larger aspirations than just qualification in the coming months.
I’m not expecting many goals in this game, and though it’ll take a Herculean effort, I think the Irish can get something from this.
Republic of Ireland v Portugal Tips
Republic of Ireland To Win Either Half @ 9/4
Troy Parrott Anytime Goal @ 4/1 Cristiano Ronaldo First Goal @ 5/2
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
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*Prices are subject to fluctuation
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