Prediction Portugal vs Republic of Ireland 2026 – Betting Tips for the WC Qualification Europe on 11/10/2025

Portugal ready to flex qualification muscle at José Alvalade

Portugal arrive at Estádio José Alvalade sitting atop their World Cup qualifying pool and they do so with a confidence that is hard to ignore. Two group matches, two wins, eight goals scored and just two conceded underline a side that has found an attacking rhythm and defensive stability in equal measure. Recent form across competitions reads like a statement of intent: a string dominated by victories, including impressive wins away and at home in high-pressure fixtures. The numbers tell a story of control and purpose — Portugal average nearly 20 shots per game and register a high volume of chances inside the box, while maintaining a clean sheet in one of their group outings. João Cancelo’s outstanding display in the narrow victory over Hungary was rewarded with a best-player rating of 8.94, a reminder that individuals in this squad can tilt matches.

Republic of Ireland bring resilience but need cutting edge

The Republic of Ireland have shown moments of grit and organization; their recent results include several draws and a single win in the last ten outings, though those positive moments are tempered by an opening group defeat to Armenia which left them with one point from two matches. Ireland’s attacking numbers are respectable — they create a healthy number of shots and are not shy of probing in the final third — but their defensive ledger reads four goals conceded in the group, and clean sheets have been elusive. Caoimhín Kelleher earned the best-player nod in Ireland’s latest qualifying match with a rating of 7.42, indicating that goalkeeping moments might be key if they are to frustrate Portugal at Alvalade.

How the tie is likely to unfold

When these teams met in a friendly in 2024 Portugal delivered a decisive 3-0 win, and the recent trends suggest a similar pattern could unfold on October 11. Portugal’s attacking output and higher shot volume give them an obvious edge; their group performances have combined offensive fluency with well-timed defensive resilience. Ireland will not be without plans to make life difficult: their tendency to grind out draws and the occasional narrow win shows a capacity for organization and set-piece threat, but the big question is whether they can convert enough chances while keeping Portugal quiet. Venue and crowd will also factor — playing in Lisbon at a major stadium adds an atmospheric advantage in favour of the hosts.

Prediction and betting suggestion

Based on group form, recent results, head-to-head history and the attacking statistics favouring the hosts, the clearest market to target is the 1X2. Portugal to win looks the most likely outcome given their unbeaten recent run in qualifying, their higher shot and chance metrics, and a convincing 3-0 friendly win over Ireland in 2024. Betting suggestion: back Portugal to win (1) in the 1X2 market.