Republic of Ireland vs Portugal: World Cup Qualifier Thriller at Aviva Stadium! 🏟️

Buckle up, football faithful! 🔥 World Cup 2026 Qualifying Group F explodes tonight as the Republic of Ireland host Portugal at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on November 13, 2025. Kick-off at 7:45 PM GMT (3:45 PM ET, 11:45 PM EAT), and this clash could seal Portugal's ticket to the global showpiece while ending Ireland's slim hopes. Can Heimir Hallgrímsson's Boys in Green pull off a miracle against Cristiano Ronaldo's star-studded Seleção, or will Roberto Martínez's men cruise to victory? Let’s rip into the form, fireworks, and fearless predictions! ⚽

TODAY'S PREDICTION

• Total goals - over 0.5

• Both teams to score - YES

• Portugal Win or Draw

• Total corners - over 7.5

You can place your bets today through various betting sites such as: Betpawa, Sokabet , Sportybet, BetWinner etc.

Current Form and Context

Republic of Ireland, 3rd in Group F with 4 points (1-1-2), are fighting for survival after a gritty 0-0 draw with Hungary and a 1-0 loss in Lisbon (Rúben Neves' 91st-minute dagger). They've scored just 4 goals and conceded 5 in four qualifiers, averaging 0.8 goals per game, with a rock-solid defense (three clean sheets). At home, they're unbeaten in three (W1, D2), but Evan Ferguson's injury (out for this one) leaves Adam Idah as the lone spearhead. A win keeps play-off dreams alive—anything less, and it's mathematically over. 😤

Portugal, 1st with 10 points (3-1-0), are on the cusp of qualification after a 2-2 thriller vs Hungary (Ronaldo's brace) and that late Lisbon win over Ireland. They've netted 11 goals and conceded 4, averaging 3.8 goals per game in qualifiers—pure firepower. Unbeaten in seven (W5, D2), their away form is lethal (W2, D1), but injuries to Nuno Mendes, João Cancelo, and Pedro Gonçalves test depth. Ronaldo's confirmed this will be his World Cup swansong—expect motivation overload. 🇵🇹

Historical Head-to-Head

Portugal own this fixture, unbeaten in five straight meetings (W4, D1) since Ireland's last win in 1995 (1-0 in EURO qualifiers). The reverse fixture was a 1-0 Portuguese robbery (Neves' stoppage-time stunner after Ronaldo's saved penalty), and they've outscored Ireland 12-2 in those five. Games average 2.9 goals, with under 2.5 in 4/5 recent clashes—low-scoring tension, but Portugal's class shines through. At Aviva, Ireland have drawn twice but never beaten them this century.

Team News and Tactical Insights

Republic of Ireland miss Evan Ferguson (injury, rehabbing at Roma) but welcome Johnny Kenny and Jamie McGrath to the squad. Hallgrímsson’s 4-3-3 is cautious and compact, focusing on counters and set-pieces (3 corners per game avg.). Adam Idah (1 goal) leads the line, with Chiedozie Ogbene's pace (2 assists) and Josh Cullen's midfield steel (88% pass accuracy) key. Gavin Bazunu's saves (3.1 per game) will be crucial against Ronaldo. Predicted XI: Bazunu; Coleman, Lenihan, Collins, Robinson; Cullen, Molumby, McGrath; McAteer, Idah, Ogbene. 🟢

Portugal are without Nuno Mendes, Nuno Tavares, João Cancelo, and Pedro Gonçalves (injuries), but Ronaldo (5 qualifier goals) is the talisman. Martínez’s 4-3-3 dominates possession (62% avg.) and unleashes waves of attack: Bruno Fernandes (2 goals, 3 assists) pulls strings, while Rafael Leão and Bernardo Silva flank CR7. Rúben Dias anchors a defense that's conceded just 1 xG per away game. Expect high pressing to dismantle Ireland's setup. Predicted XI: Costa; Dalot, Veiga, Dias, Guerreiro; Palhinha, Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leão. 🐉

Match Details

• Date and Time: November 13, 2025, 7:45 PM GMT (3:45 PM ET, 11:45 PM EAT)

• Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin (Capacity: 51,700)

• Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)

• Weather: 9°C, overcast—chilly for a gritty battle

💰 Betting View

• Bet on Match Winner: Portugal ✅ (1.50 odds, 65% chance, unbeaten run)

• Both Teams to Score Bet(BTTS): ❌ NO (1.85 odds, Ireland's low scoring, Portugal's clean sheets)

• Over 2.5 Bet on Goals: 🔥 VALUE (1.90 odds, Portugal's 3.8 avg., but H2H low)

• Bet on Anytime Scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo ⚡ (+110 odds, 5 goals in 4 qualifiers)

• Correct Score Bet: 0-2

Prediction and Key Factors

Ireland's home grit (unbeaten in 3) and defensive setup (0.4 xG conceded per game) will frustrate early, but Portugal's star power—Ronaldo's menace (brace vs Hungary) and Fernandes' vision—will break them down. Hallgrímsson's caution ("not a basketball match") meets Martínez's dominance (7-game unbeaten streak), with injuries hitting Ireland harder. H2H trends (Portugal W4 in 5) and Portugal's away xG (2.5) scream control, but expect a cagey start before the floodgates. A win clinches Portugal's spot—Ronaldo's farewell gift.

Prediction: Republic of Ireland 0-2 Portugal. Ronaldo bags one, Leão seals it late—no Irish miracle, but pride intact. Portugal qualify, Ireland eye Hungary for play-offs. 🌟

Why This Match Matters

Portugal can secure their seventh straight World Cup with a win, ending Ronaldo's international swansong on a high. For Ireland, defeat ends direct hopes but keeps play-off fire alive vs Hungary—vital for Hallgrímsson's rebuild. Aviva's roar vs Ronaldo's aura: North vs South, underdog vs elite.

Your call, Boys in Green or Seleção? Drop your score predictions on "Post your tips" section and join us for the post-match meltdown! 🗣️ Stay locked for more World Cup qualifier carnage and live reactions.

You can place your bets today through various betting sites such as: Betpawa, Sokabet , Sportybet, BetWinner etc.