Ireland vs Portugal prediction 13.11.2025 | World Cup qualifications

Ireland doesn't have too many successes in the World Cup qualifications, as their last appearance at the most prestigious competition was in 2002. They collected four points in four matches in the current campaign and are one point behind second-placed Hungary. Ireland still have chances for the playoffs, but losing on Thursday night would be a big step back. 

Ireland didn't play well in 2025, going on a run of five games without a victory until their last outing, when Heimir Hallgrimsson's team won 1-0 at home against Armenia. Although Ireland scored only one goal in that match, they deserved much more with an xG of 2.47. 

The November matches could be crucial, whether the manager Heimir Hallgrimsson leads Ireland in 2026, too. There are many speculations in the Irish media about who could replace Hallgrimsson if Ireland fails to finish second in the standings after the two upcoming matches. 

Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby are suspended and will not play on Thursday night against Portugal. 

Portugal have six consecutive World Cup appearances and are only one point away from another. Portugal are in impressive form in 2025, having gone seven games undefeated. In the most recent outing, Roberto Martinez's team played 2-2 at home against Hungary. The home side was close to another victory, but the visitors scored late in the second half to avoid defeat.

Portugal's head coach, Roberto Martinez, expects the atmosphere in Dublin to be a challenge for Portugal. He said, "Ireland needs to win and the atmosphere we're going to find will also be a challenge," he said after naming his squad today. It's important to remember that November is always a difficult stage for Portugal; I don't know why, but it's always a difficult period. Even so, our focus is on qualifying for the World Cup – the ninth in Portugal's history."

Although Roberto Martinez called up Pedro Goncalves and Pedro Neto for November matches, they are injured and will not participate on Thursday in Dublin.