Ireland and Portugal clash Thursday in a crucial World Cup qualifying battle that could shape their path to the 2026 tournament. With Ireland fighting to stay in contention and Portugal aiming to secure another dominant performance, fans can expect a high-stakes soccer matchup full of intensity, skill, and drama. From standout players like Cristiano Ronaldo to Ireland’s resilient defence, this is a must-watch game for football bettors and fans alike searching for key stats, betting odds, and expert insights.
Our best bet for Ireland vs. Portugal is Cristiano Ronaldo to score at -164 odds.
Ireland vs. Portugal best bet
Cristiano Ronaldo to score vs. Ireland
Despite being in the swan song of his career, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a potent goal threat for both club and country. The legendary attacker is aiming to reach the mythical 1000-goal mark before hanging up his boots, and we are tipping him to make another stride towards that figure as part of our Ireland vs Portugal predictions.
Ronaldo comes into this international break in fine form. He has scored five goals in five matches for Al-Nassr since last linking up with Portugal. So far this season, Cristiano is averaging a goal every 90 minutes played for the Saudi team.
Cristiano netted two goals against Hungary in his last game for Portugal. In the reverse fixture against the Republic of Ireland, Ronaldo squandered several opportunities, failing to find the net with any of his seven attempts. However, the former Real Madrid forward tends to atone for his poor performances, so expect him to make an impact here.
Although he is now 40 years old, Ronaldo still has the physical and technical prowess to cause problems for the Irish defence. Cristiano remains unrivalled in the air. His ability to rise above defenders makes him a target for crosses into the box, which could prove key as Portugal attempts to unlock this deep defense.
Ronaldo’s vast experience also means he is incredibly composed. He has already scored 143 goals for the national team and 953 career goals. Portugal’s previous head-to-head with Ireland indicates that chances should fall Cristiano’s way, and he seldom has a bad game in front of goal.
Ireland vs. Portugal game context
Ireland sits just one point behind Hungary in Group F and must secure positive results in the final two matches to keep its qualification hopes alive.
Despite a valiant showing in October’s encounter in Lisbon, Ireland’s lack of firepower was evident as it managed no shots on target. That night, Portugal was also frustrated and scored in stoppage time, with Ruben Neves, despite taking 30 shots.
Roberto Martinez’s side is top of the group and knows a win in Dublin will secure qualification to next summer’s tournament. Despite the good form, with no defeats in the past six games, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking World Cup qualifying goals, it has not been all plain sailing for the Lusitans.
Portugal, in fact, has conceded four times in two games against Hungary and has not always been able to control the match, despite its superior quality.
But despite home advantage, the latest Ireland vs Portugal odds see the Irish as underdogs, with bookmakers giving Martinez’s men a 73% chance of victory.
Ireland vs. Portugal odds analysis
A victory for Roberto Martinez’s Portugal will secure the country’s spot at the World Cup in the summer. After an unbeaten start to the group (W3/D1), Ireland and Armenia provide the final two hurdles for Portugal in November.
Despite playing away from home in Dublin, the bookmakers make Portugal the favourites. A price of -278 for a Portugal victory in the 1×2 market will likely not entice any bettors seeking a pro-Portugal selection.
The Asian handicap line of -1.5 has been set for Portugal. This handicap line requires the visiting team to win by two goals. If Cristiano Ronaldo and company fail to record said margin of victory, the Ireland +1.5 Asian handicap will yield profits for anyone backing the underdogs.
Ronaldo is, as he has been for the majority of his career, the favourite in the market to score at any time in the match. Portugal’s number seven is the only player priced at odds-on to find the net in this match.
The two goals scored against Hungary in October set a new personal record for Ronaldo to add to his collection. The second strike against Hungary made it 41 World Cup qualifying goals, taking him past the previous record holder, Carlos Ruiz, who scored 39 qualifying goals for Guatemala in his career.