Bruno Fernandes says he carries "the dream of all Portuguese people" as he targets World Cup glory with Portugal next year.

Roberto Martinez's side are yet to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but currently sit top of Group F having won both of their qualifiers so far.

They can take a big step towards booking their place in the World Cup this international break, and face bottom-of-the-group Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

Should they qualify, the 2016 European champions are set to have talisman Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, as he confirmed his desire to keep playing next year for his national team and Al-Nassr.

Portugal have never won the World Cup, with their best result a third-place finish back in 1966, while their run to the quarter-finals in Qatar was the furthest they had been since finishing fourth in 2006.

But Fernandes has high hopes for his nation next year.

"We have to take it game by game, even though we know we want to reach the World Cup as quickly as possible," he told Channel 11.

"Our main goal is to win every game, and we're focused on that, knowing that the dream of the World Cup is always present.

"Since I was little, I've dreamed of winning the World Cup, and it's not just my dream, it's the dream of all Portuguese people.

"First, we'll do everything we can to be there, and then we'll do everything we can to make that dream come true."

Ireland sit bottom of Group F with only one point, having come from behind to draw 2-2 with Hungary in their opening match.

Despite them falling to a 2-1 defeat to Armenia in the following game, Fernandes is still wary of the threat they pose to Portugal.

"We're facing a very physically strong team, very capable in duels, that defends with many players behind the ball," he added.

"We have to be patient with the ball and know how to find the right spaces, but we're prepared, especially because we worked well during the week.

"It's going to be a difficult game, like all the others we've had, but we were capable, and we must be capable again now."