Portugal vs Ireland prediction 11.10.2025 | World Cup 2026 qualifiers

Portugal return to home comforts after a successful September saw them claim consecutive away wins against Armenia (5:0) and Hungary (3:2).

Already sitting at the top of Group F, five points clear of the Irish, Roberto Martínez's side look well-placed to secure qualification for next summer's finals. 

The Portuguese have enjoyed a strong run of form this year, winning nine and losing just one of 12 internationals since their elimination at Euro 2024. 

Goals can usually be expected when Portugal are involved. A minimum of three goals were scored in each of their last five games. 

Indeed, a high-scoring home win seems the likeliest outcome on Saturday. Each of the Portuguese last five games finished with over 2.5 goals scored, while a minimum of three goals were scored in three of four previous encounters between these nations.

Head coach Martinez has a strong squad available for Saturday's World Cup qualifier. João Cancelo is the only notable absentee from the selection.

Ireland arrive in Portugal after a disappointing start to their World Cup qualification campaign last month. After fighting back from two goals behind to claim a 2:2 draw against Hungary, Heimir Hallgrímsson'side slumped to an embarrassing 2:1 defeat in Armenia.

With just one point on the board, the Irish now face their stiffest test in Group F, knowing another defeat could prove hugely damaging to their rapidly decreasing hopes of qualification. 

Heimir Hallgrímsson's men had shown some signs of improvement prior to their shock loss in Yerevan. Ireland lost just one of seven previous international games. 

Like the hosts, high-scoring outcomes have been relatively frequent. Five of the Irish's last seven games saw a minimum of three goals scored. 

Head coach Hallgrímsson has a 23-man squad available this weekend. Jason Knight and Matt Doherty are both unavailable for the visitors.