Portugal, led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo, will look to extend their perfect run in the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they host Ireland tonight at the Estádio José Alvalade.
Portugal currently tops Group F with six points after victories over Armenia and Hungary, and will aim for a third consecutive win to move closer to qualification for the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ireland, meanwhile, sit fourth in the group with just one point and will be desperate to secure their first win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
On a personal level, Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of another historic milestone. The 40-year-old Portuguese forward is chasing his 40th career goal in World Cup qualifying matches, which would make him the outright all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers.
He currently shares the record with retired Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz, both sitting on 39 goals.
Ronaldo has already scored three goals in the current qualifying campaign, adding to the 36 he netted across the 2006 to 2022 editions.
The Al Nassr star continues to defy age and expectations, remaining one of the most prolific goal scorers in international football history.
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