Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Roberto Martínez spoke to the media ahead of their World Cup 2026 Qualifier against Ireland in Dublin. The match, to be held at the Aviva Stadium, is a crucial Group F game that could secure Portugal’s direct qualification for the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who may be playing in his last World Cup cycle, said he expects a tough atmosphere from Irish fans but is focused on helping his team win. He joked that he hopes to be a “good boy” despite knowing he might be booed by the crowd.
Coach Roberto Martínez also addressed the press, saying that while Portugal has performed strongly so far, the team still needs to stay focused until the final whistle. Portugal remains unbeaten in the qualifiers and leads the group by five points.
For Ireland, this match is a must-win to keep their playoff hopes alive. A victory could help them climb up the standings, while a loss would almost end their qualification chances.
If Portugal wins, they will officially qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if Ronaldo can lead his team to another World Cup appearance.