Ireland vs Portugal: prediction & betting odds 13 November 2025

Matchday 9 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers between Ireland and Portugal will take place on November 13 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Ireland vs. Portugal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Ireland

In the previous round, the team claimed their long-awaited first victory in the current World Cup qualification, narrowly defeating Armenia 1-0 at home after two consecutive losses. This win lifted Heimir Hallgrímsson's side to third place in the group, keeping their chances alive for even the top spot, which ensures a direct ticket to the World Cup. However, the likelihood of such a breakthrough is minimal, as only two matches remain, and they trail leaders Portugal by six points. The battle for second place seems more realistic, but Ireland will lose all chances if they lose their match and Hungary beats Armenia. A victory would leave everything to be decided in the final round.

• The team has scored in 8 of their last 10 World Cup qualifying matches.
• Ireland has conceded in 7 of their last 10 home games in this tournament.
• No more than 2 goals have been scored in 5 of Ireland's last 6 home matches in World Cup qualification.

Predicted lineup for Ireland (3-4-3)

Caoimhín Kelleher – Jake O'Brien, Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea – Seamus Coleman, Will Smallbone, Josh Cullen, Liam Scales – Festy Ebosele, Finn Azaz, Troy Parrott.

Defender Ryan Manning and midfielder Jason Molumby are suspended. Midfielder Josh Cullen's suspension has ended. Forward Evan Ferguson will miss the game due to injury.

Portugal

Roberto Martinez's side could have secured direct qualification for the World Cup in October, but they let victory slip away in the last moments against Hungary (2-2). Before that, Portugal had won all three of their initial matches in the current qualifying cycle, so the situation remains under control. The team stays at the top of the group, with a five-point lead over second place. They are guaranteed not to drop out of the top two, and the first spot is secured with a win over Ireland. Portugal can also clinch first place early if they avoid defeat and Hungary slips up against Armenia.

• The team's unbeaten streak in World Cup qualification stands at 6 matches (5 wins, 1 draw).
• Portugal has scored in 7 consecutive matches in this tournament.
• The team is unbeaten in 10 away World Cup qualifying games (8 wins, 2 draws).

Predicted lineup for Portugal (4-2-3-1)

Diogo Costa – João Cancelo, Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes – Vitinha, Rúben Neves – Bernardo Silva, João Félix, Rafael Leão – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Key midfielder Bruno Fernandes is serving a suspension.

Referee

Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)

Matches – 6 (International matches, 2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 21;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;

Red cards shown – 0;

Average fouls per match – 23;

Penalties – 17%.

Match Prediction: Ireland vs. Portugal

Despite being considered a European mid-tier team, Ireland can challenge almost any opponent. In the current qualifying cycle, they have suffered two defeats, but in both cases, Heimir Hallgrímsson's side lost by a narrow margin, and these matches were away from home. Overall, the team has not lost in 7 of their last 9 World Cup qualifying matches (3 wins, 4 draws). At home, Ireland has avoided defeat in five consecutive matches in this tournament (1 win, 4 draws).

Portugal is unbeaten in six World Cup qualifying matches, winning five of them. While they show a pleasing consistency, it's worth noting that they often defeat their opponents by a margin of 1 or 2 goals. A comprehensive victory was achieved in only 1 of their last 8 World Cup qualifying matches. In strictly away games in this tournament, Portugal has 6 wins in their last 8 matches, but they have only managed to win by a margin of 3 goals in 2 of those 8 encounters.

Prediction – Ireland with a handicap (+2)