Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Tonight? Where to Watch Ireland vs Portugal?

The UEFA Nations League champions, Portugal, will travel to Dublin to face off against the Republic of Ireland in the return leg of the UEFA World Cup qualifiers at Aviva Stadium on Thursday.

The Selecao is one win away from securing their berth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to kick off in Mexico, Canada & United States. Meanwhile, the Boys in Green still have a chance to progress through as the second-best team from Group F; however, they would need to surpass Hungary with two matches to go. They are coming into this contest on the back of a fresh 1-0 success over Armenia, providing them with confidence. Heimir Hallgrímsson led Ireland to accumulate only 4 points in as many matches.

Roberto Martinez's side has been on a winning streak ever since they claimed a historic win over Spain in the 2025-26 Nations League final. But, they were forced to share the spoils against Hungary in a blockbuster 2-2 draw. Hungary's captain Dominik Szoboszlai netted a 91st-minute equaliser to cancel out Cristiano Ronaldo's double that made him the World Cup qualifiers' all-time top scorer. Thereon, Portugal maintains their place at the top of the points table with 10 points from 3 wins and a draw in this campaign.

The last time these two teams met each other, Portuguese counterparts emerged victorious via Ruben Neves's late winner, sealing a 1-0 win in October.

Tonight, a result is needed for the hosts to keep their hopes alive to earn a chance to compete in the Playoff Tournament courtesy of a second-place finish. Meanwhile, even a draw could confirm Portugal's place in the World Cup next summer. Now, let's take a look at team news, predicted lineups, kick-off timing, where to watch Portugal vs Ireland and Ireland vs Portugal live stream.

Where to watch Ireland vs Portugal?

The World Cup qualifier game between the Ireland national football team Portugal national football team live streaming will be available on the following platforms.

Ireland vs Portugal Team News

The Republic of Ireland will have a host of absentees, including Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby, who are both suspended for this match. Evan Ferguson is out due to an ankle injury. along with fellow injured names Sammie Szmodics, Mark Sykes, and Callum O'Dowda will be on the sidelines. Celtic striker Johnny Kenny and Kevin O'Toole could make their international debut in Dublin. On the other hand, Chelsea's winger Pedro Neto and Pedro Goncalves have pulled out of November's squad with injuries. Al Nassr's firing duo of Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the attacking department.

Ireland vs Portugal Predicted Lineups

Here's the predicted lineup for Ireland vs Portugal European qualifier match.

Ireland's predicted XI vs Portugal (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Kelleher

Defenders: O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea

Midfielders: Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Johnston; Ebosele, Azaz

Forward: Parrott

Portugal's predicted XI vs Ireland (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Costa

Defenders: Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes

Midfielders: Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha

Forwards: Bernardo, Ronaldo, Felix