Door still ajar for Ireland but open wounds remain

Beat Armenia at home, coupled with a Portuguese win over Hungary in Lisbon on the same night, and all roads could lead to a shootout with the Magyars on November 16.

Republic of Ireland players huddle before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

In the City of Light, Ireland displayed enough glimpses to suggest they’ve emerged from the darkness.

One point from the nine available in the first half of the campaign would test that theory but Tuesday will determine either way.