World Cup Qualification 2026: Ireland-Portugal, the likely lineups

Dublin’s Aviva Stadium hosts hosts Ireland’s hosts and Portugal on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 8:45 p.m. in a match valid for Group F of the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The hosts are in need of points, standing at 4 while Hungary is second in the grouping with 5. An almost unblemished record for the Lusitanians, who have won three times and drawn only the last match against the Magyar selection.

Parrott is expected to take the field as the only forward in his Ireland side, behind him will be Taylor and Azaz between the lines. Cullen and Smallbone will act in the heart of the maneuver, Ogbene and Manning on the two flanks. Three-man defense, with O’Brien, O’Shea and Collins in front of goalkeeper Kelleher.

Martinez will instead rely on the’stainless Cristiano Ronaldo as center forward, behind CR7 ready Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Neto. Portugal’s midfield entrusted to Vitinha, Joao Neves, behind will play Semedo on the right, Mendes on the left and the Silva-Ruben Dias tandem in the center.

Ireland-Portugal, the probable lineups:

Ireland (3-4-2-1): Kelleher; O’Brien, O’Shea, Collins; Ogbene, Cullen, Smallbone, Manning; Taylor, Azaz; Parrott. Coach: Hallgrímsson.

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Portugal (4-2-3-1): Costa; Semedo, Silva, Ruben Dias, Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves; Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; Cristiano Ronaldo. Coach: Martinez.

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