World Cup
2025-10-11 - Portugal vs Republic of Ireland
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: World Cup Qualifier
Saturday 11th October 2025 - Kick Off 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal won the Euro 2016 tournament, but this is a squad that has been something of a disappointment in recent major international Finals. They have reached the Quarter Final at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, but it has felt like Portugal have underachieved with the depth of talent that they can call upon.
Earlier this calendar year Portugal were able to win the Nations League for a second time and the victories over Germany and Spain will give this team confidence ahead of the next World Cup Finals. Winning this Qualifying Group to earn their spot in North America has to be the immediate focus and Portugal earned maximum points in the two Qualifiers last month, which has put them in command of the section.
Portugal were beaten in Denmark in the Nations League Quarter Final First Leg, but they are unbeaten in 5 since that loss and the side have won 4 of those matches. The nation have won 5 in a row at home going back to a friendly game against the Republic of Ireland just before the Euro 2024 Finals.
Republic of Ireland
After avoiding Relegation from League B of the Nations League, Republic of Ireland would have hoped the win over Bulgaria in March might have given them positive momentum to take into this World Cup Qualifying Group. Instead, Heimir Hallgrimsson has spoken about potentially losing his job as manager of the nation following a really poor defeat to Armenia last month.
There has been plenty of analysis about that loss in Yerevan, which has left Republic of Ireland in a tough position to even finish 2nd in this Group. They had to fight back from 0-2 down to earn a 2-2 draw with Hungary in Dublin, and that all means Ireland are in a tough spot with four Qualifiers left and they likely need an upset or two to even earn a Play Off spot.
Republic of Ireland have not won any of 4 games since beating Bulgaria twice in March, although they had drawn 3 in a row before the poor 2-1 loss in Armenia. They have won 1 of their last 5 away games and Ireland have taken some heavy defeats at the likes of Greece and England in that run.
A host of players could not be called up as injuries have hit the Heimir Hallgrimsson options at a bad time.
Head to Head
Portugal beat Republic of Ireland 3-0 at home in a friendly in preparation for the Euro 2024 Finals.
These nations were in the same 2022 World Cup Qualifying Group and Portugal took four points from Ireland with the majority coming in a 2-1 win over them in the Algarve when Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 89th and 90th minute.
Portugal do hold a strong home record against Ireland and have never lost to them in front of their own supporters.
Prediction
To say there were questions about the direction Ireland are travelling under Heimir Hallgrimsson is an understatement and time is ticking down for the manager.
He was given a contract to take Republic of Ireland through to the end of the World Cup Finals, but the loss to Armenia means they are already chasing in this Group.
Losing is one thing, but the performance was shocking and Republic of Ireland were second best by a big margin.
Now they have to face a Portugal team that won the Nations League and who are making short work of this Qualifying Group as they look to return to the World Cup Finals again.
Portugal won 0-5 in Yerevan, where Republic of Ireland were beaten days later, and they have a 2-3 victory over Hungary to move into complete control of this section.
They will play at home for the first time in this Qualifying Group and Portugal should dictate much of this game.
In recent times, Ireland have given Portugal some problems, but this should be a more routine fixture for the hosts and they can win with a clean sheet.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Portugal 3-0 Republic of Ireland
