Ireland vs Portugal, FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Ronaldo, Martinez Face Media

Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal will look to seal direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 when they take on Ireland in their penultimate Group F fixture at the Aviva Stadium. The Selecao have a five-point lead, and Roberto Martinez’s team are in the box seat to seal a seventh consecutive appearance at football’s global showpiece. Ronaldo announced the world that the 2026 tournament would be his 'last' World Cup appearance in a Portugal shirt.

Updated on: 13 November 2025 10:19 am

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo speaks during a press conference in Dublin, Ireland, ahead of Thursday's World Cup qualifying soccer match against Ireland. | Photo: Brian Lawless/PA via AP

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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo speaks during a press conference in Dublin, Ireland, Wednesday Nov. 12, 2025, ahead of Thursday's World Cup qualifying soccer match against Ireland. () | Photo: Brian Lawless/PA via AP

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Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez speaks during a press conference in Dublin, Ireland, ahead of Thursday's World Cup qualifying soccer match against Ireland. | Photo: Brian Lawless/PA via AP

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Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez speaks during a press conference in Dublin, Ireland, ahead of Thursday's World Cup qualifying soccer match against Ireland. | Photo: Brian Lawless/PA via AP

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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo speaks during a press conference in Dublin, Ireland, ahead of Thursday's World Cup qualifying soccer match against Ireland. | Photo: Brian Lawless/PA via AP