Sporting Lisbon's Estádio José Alvalade to host Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Portugal

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Sporting Lisbon's Estádio José Alvalade will host the Republic of Ireland's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification tie away to Portugal on October 11. 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were confirmed as the top seeds in Ireland's group, alongside Hungary and Armenia last March.

The fixture will kick-off at 7.45pm Irish time, with the FAI noting ticket details will follow in due course.

Heimir Hallgrimsson's men will begin their campaign with the visit of Dominik Szoboszlai's Hungary to the Aviva Stadium on September 6. 

The winner of the group will qualify automatically for next year’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, while the runner-up will need to navigate their way through the play-off route next year.

Fixtures:

• September 6 – Ireland v Hungary, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm 
• September 9 – Armenia v Ireland, Republic Stadium, 5pm (Irish Time) 
• October 11 – Portugal v Ireland, Estádio José Alvalade 7.45pm (Irish Time) 
• October 14 – Ireland v Armenia, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm 
• November 13 – Ireland v Portugal, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm 
• November 16 – Hungary v Ireland, TBC, 2pm (Irish Time)