The Republic of Ireland secured a 2-0 victory over Portugal in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, with Troy Parrott scoring both goals. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo received his first international red card in the 61st minute for elbowing defender Dara O’Shea. The result keeps qualification hopes alive for both teams heading into their final matches.
In a stunning upset during 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifying, the Republic of Ireland defeated Portugal 2-0 on November 13, 2025, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. AZ Alkmaar forward Troy Parrott netted twice in the first half, first heading in a Liam Scales assist from a Jack Taylor corner in the 17th minute, then striking from inside the box in the 45th minute. Chiedozie Ogbene nearly added a third, curling a shot against the post in the 38th minute.
Portugal, leading Group F, struggled throughout, managing little possession early on. The match turned decisively in the 61st minute when captain Cristiano Ronaldo, on his 226th appearance, elbowed Dara O’Shea during a tussle in the penalty area. Referee Glenn Nyberg, after a VAR review and pitchside monitor check, upgraded an initial yellow to a straight red for violent conduct. Ronaldo, appearing frustrated, made a crying gesture toward fans and exchanged words with Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson as he left the field.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez defended Ronaldo post-match, stating, “There’s no violence – he tries to push them away. He was unlucky. The angle of the images makes it worse than what actually happened. It’s his first red card for the national team. It’s incredible.” Martinez called it “a game to forget,” adding, “We have to accept that Ireland deserved to win.” Former Ireland midfielder Ronnie Whelan commented, “Ronaldo put an elbow right into the back of O’Shea. That had to be a red card.”
The red card means Ronaldo will miss Portugal's final qualifier against Armenia on Sunday and potentially more matches, including a 2026 World Cup opener if they qualify, due to the violent conduct classification. Ireland, boosted by the win, face Hungary on Sunday; a victory there secures at least a play-off spot. Portugal can still auto-qualify with a draw or win against Armenia, who sit bottom of the group after a 1-0 loss to Hungary.
Republic of Ireland XI: Caoimhin Kelleher; Seamus Coleman, Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien, Liam Scales, Finn Azaz, Jack Taylor, Josh Cullen, Chiedozie Ogbene, Troy Parrott.
Portugal XI: Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Diogo Dalot, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix.
