Troy Parrott scored twice before visiting captain Cristiano Ronaldo was dismissed as the Republic of Ireland beat Portugal in Dublin to set up a World Cup 2026 qualification decider in Hungary on Sunday.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team must win to overtake Hungary and book at least a place in a two-legged play-off next March to reach the finals, although neither side will be able to finish top if Portugal win their final game of the campaign at home to Armenia on the same day.
Troy Parrott ignites the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying hopes with this goal after a great assist from Liam Scales.
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Parrott met Liam Scales’ header from a corner to nod in the 17th-minute opener, then struck from inside the box in the final minute of first-half regular time on a memorable night for the hosts, who eased past an underwhelming Selecao side.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo was sent off for elbowing Dara O’Shea during the 61st minute, reacting angrily after referee Glenn Nyberg consulted the pitchside monitor following a Video Assistant Referee review.
Ireland vs Portugal: Ronaldo red card
Ronaldo’s first international dismissal on his 226th Portugal appearance is likely to take the headlines, but Ireland wrote the script for a seismic result with a sterling display.
Knowing they would be out of contention with defeat, Hallgrimsson’s players had precious little possession before AZ Alkmaar forward Troy Parrott pounced for the first time.
They could have doubled their lead before Parrott’s second, winger Chiedozie Ogbene curling a low shot against a post.
Republic of Ireland starting lineup vs Portugal
Burnley captain Josh Cullen missed Ireland’s 1-0 home win over Armenia on October 14 through suspension but the midfielder returned this time.
Jayson Molumby was banned and Mark Sykes, Jason Knight, Will Smallbone, Evan Ferguson and Robbie Brady were injured.
Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher saved a Ronaldo penalty when Ireland lost 1-0 in Portugal on October 11.
Republic of Ireland starting XI: Caoimhin Kelleher, Seamus Coleman, Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien, Liam Scales, Finn Azaz, Jack Taylor, Josh Cullen, Chiedozie Ogbene, Troy Parrott
Ireland substitutes: Gavin Bazunu, Johnny Kenny, Adam Idah, Jimmy Dunne, Kevin O’Toole, Andrew Moran, John Egan, Conor Coventry, Jamie McGrath, Mikey Johnston, Festy Ebosele, Mark Travers
Portugal starting lineup vs Ireland
Chelsea’s Pedro Neto and Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Goncalves have withdrawn from the Portugal squad but Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves returned from injury.
Portugal starting XI: Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Diogo Dalot, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix
Portugal substitutes: Rui Silva, Nelson Semedo, Antonio Silva, Joao Palhinha, Carlos Forbs, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Carvalho, Renato Veiga, Trincao, Rafael Leao, Matheus Nunes, Francisco Conceicao
Portugal, Ireland World Cup 2026 qualifying path
The top team from each of the 12 European Qualifier groups proceeds automatically to the finals, which will be expanded to 48 teams.
The 12 runners-up in each group will join four Nations League teams in the play-offs, which will be drawn from pots based on teams’ records during the campaign. The games will comprise single-leg semi-finals and finals.
The draw for the World Cup finals will take place in December 2025. The tournament runs from June 11 until July 19 2026.
