The Portugal national team suffered an unexpected blow in Dublin after falling 2–0 to Ireland, in a match filled with defensive errors and marked by the expulsion of Cristiano Ronaldo, who will now miss Sunday’s decisive matchup against Armenia, the game that could define their direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Roberto Martínez’s side arrived with qualification nearly secured, but the defeat forces them to win at home to maintain their lead in Group F.

Cristiano, who is aiming to play in his sixth World Cup (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026), was shown a straight red card after VAR deemed his elbow inside the box worthy of expulsion. The decision rules him out of the most decisive fixture of the group stage.

Troy Parrott Scores a Brace and Exposes Portugal’s Defensive Flaws

Ireland, coached by Heimir Hallgrímsson, capitalized on Portugal’s mistakes and sealed the match with two goals from Troy Parrott, the standout performer of the night. The opener came in the 17th minute after a poorly defended corner in which Scales flicked the ball on for Parrott to finish unmarked.
Despite Portugal dominating possession, they never managed to translate control into clear chances, while Ireland held firm with discipline, intensity and perfectly executed set-piece tactics.

The 2–0 arrived just before halftime: Parrott pounced on a loose ball and surprised Diogo Costa with a near-post strike, leaving Portugal completely unsettled.

Without Cristiano and Under Maximum Pressure, Portugal Will Fight for Qualification in Lisbon

In the second half, Portugal’s frustration led to the turning point of the match: Cristiano Ronaldo’s dismissal in the 61st minute. Down to ten men and without their main leader, Portugal continued pushing but repeatedly crashed into Ireland’s defensive wall.
The numbers say it all: 27 total shots for Portugal, only 5 on target; Ireland, 3 shots on target… and 2 goals.

Ireland move up to 7 points and have no chance of direct qualification, but still dream of the playoffs, just one point behind Hungary. Portugal, top with 10 points, are now obligated to beat already-eliminated Armenia to secure their direct ticket without depending on other results.

The night in Dublin leaves a clear message: Portugal have no room for error, and without Cristiano on the pitch, they will need far more efficiency to avoid jeopardizing a World Cup that seemed well on track.