Rúben Neves scored a stoppage-time winner to give Portugal a 1-0 victory over Republic of Ireland in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier on Saturday. The late header preserved Portugal's perfect record in Group F, moving them to nine points. The result puts them five points clear of second-placed Hungary, whom they will host on Tuesday with a chance to secure their qualification for the tournament.
The match appeared destined for a goalless draw, largely due to a frustrating night for Cristiano Ronaldo and a disciplined Irish defence. The 40-year-old captain had a penalty saved in the 75th minute by goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, who made a stop with his trailing foot. Earlier in the match, Ronaldo struck the post with a shot, and Bernardo Silva scuffed the rebound wide of an open goal. The saved penalty was the closest Ronaldo came to scoring, ending a five-game international scoring streak.
The decisive moment arrived one minute into added time when Neves connected with a Francisco Trincão cross, heading the ball past Kelleher for his first international goal in 60 appearances. The goal was a poignant tribute to his close friend, Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in July. Neves, who wore Jota's No. 21 jersey for Portugal's first home game since the Liverpool player's death, pointed to the sky in dedication after scoring.
For Ireland, the result was a blow after a stout defensive performance nearly earned them a valuable point. Their coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson, described the outcome as "painful and heartbreaking," adding, "Our plan worked with excellent teamwork. We put a lot of energy into this match." The loss leaves Ireland at the bottom of the group with a single point and facing a must-win fixture against Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday.
In the group's other fixture, Hungary defeated Armenia 2-0 to climb into second place with four points. Portugal is now in a position to qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A victory against Hungary on Tuesday would confirm their spot, while Ireland must win their next match to keep any slim hopes of reaching a play-off spot alive.
