João Cancelo and João Neves are back in Portugal’s starting eleven for their crucial match against Ireland. This match, held in Dublin, is vital for Portugal as they aim to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal’s Lineup Changes
Head coach Roberto Martínez has made several changes to the squad due to injuries and suspensions. Cancelo and Neves missed the previous national team fixtures in October but are now expected to play a key role.
- Cancelo could play as a right-back or even in a more advanced role.
- João Neves replaces Bruno Fernandes, who is serving a suspension.
- Diogo Dalot steps in for the injured Nuno Mendes on the left side of defense.
- Gonçalo Inácio returns to play alongside Rúben Dias in central defense.
- João Félix is also back in the squad, taking advantage of Pedro Neto’s injury.
Match Details
The match is set to kick off at 19:45 local time at the Aviva Stadium. If Portugal wins, they will confirm their top position in Group F and qualify directly for the World Cup.
Group F Standings
As it stands, Portugal leads Group F with 10 points. Here’s a brief overview of the current standings:
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| Portugal | 10 |
| Hungary | 5 |
| Republic of Ireland | 4 |
| Armenia | 3 |
Upcoming Matches
After facing Ireland, Portugal will conclude their Group F fixtures against Armenia. This match is scheduled for Sunday at 14:00 at Estádio do Dragão in Porto.
Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is crucial as it marks Portugal’s chance for a ninth appearance and seventh consecutive participation. The tournament will be notable for its expansion to 48 teams and will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
