Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead his team in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin tonight, as the European champions aim to secure their spot in next year’s global tournament.
Portugal tops Group F with 14 points from six matches, and a victory would guarantee their qualification for the World Cup. The fixture carries added significance for Ireland, who sit third with four points and are battling to keep their playoff hopes alive despite the absence of star striker Evan Ferguson due to injury.
At 40, Ronaldo remains the heartbeat of the Portuguese attack, boasting 143 international goals and edging closer to the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals across all competitions. He will spearhead an attacking trio alongside Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leão, with manager Roberto MartÃnez expected to field an aggressive lineup focused on early dominance.
Ireland, under Stephen Kenny, are expected to rely on home support and defensive organization to contain Portugal’s firepower, as they seek to revive their qualifying campaign with an upset victory.
With qualification on the line, the clash in Dublin promises to be a high-stakes encounter, blending Portugal’s pursuit of perfection with Ireland’s determination to stay in contention for the 2026 World Cup.
By Michelle Ndaga
