A header in the 70th minute from Evan Ferguson against Armenia gave the Republic of Ireland a first win in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in Group F at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night. The relief and elation were short-lived as the players and the fans soon learned that Hungary had snatched an 2-2 away draw in Lisbon against Portugal, which put the central European nation second, a point ahead of the Irish in the table
That point may not sound much, but the Republic have just 3 points from a maximum 6 against the nominally weakest team, Armenia, another from their home draw against Hungary, and then suffered an agonizing defeat to Portugal on Saturday, having held out for 90 minutes.
Realistically, the Irish will have to beat Portugal at the Aviva, on Thursday, Nov. 13, and secure another win in Hungary, away on Sunday, Nov. 16. It’s possible, of course, but only the most optimistic will be thinking of a trip to North America for next summer’s tournament. Qualification is often based upon away draws against your strongest opponents and Hungary have gotten those, and a play-off spot seems like theirs to lose.
Ireland’s cause Tuesday night was greatly helped by a red card being issued to Armenia’s Tigran Barseghyann in the 51th minute. It livened up the crowd, who then got behind their team after a generally boring first half.
It was heartbreak for the Irish in Lisbon on Saturday, when Rúben Neves scored in the first minute of added time. The former Wolves star, who is now with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, had not scored in his previous 60 games for his country. The Republic failed mostly to threaten the home side’s goal, but were stout in defense. In the 75th minute, a very soft penalty was awarded against Dara O’Sha, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s spot kick was spectacularly saved by Caomhin Kelleher’s outstretched left leg.
Portugal are now solidly in poll position for direct qualification with 10 points, Hungary have 5, Ireland 4 and Armenia 3.
Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland beat Slovakia 2-0 at Windsor Park on Friday night to join Germany at the top of the table with six points, but on Monday night at the same venue, the Germans edged it with a 1-0 win. The North are in third place, with 6 points, and Germany and Slovakia have 9 each.
