"Unbeaten Portugal (3-1-0) will seal direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 if they beat Ireland in their penultimate Group F fixture at the Aviva Stadium. Armed with a five-point lead, Roberto Martinez's team are in the box seat to seal a seventh consecutive appearance at football's global showpiece. Ireland (1-1-2), for their part, still have a mathematical chance to keep their World Cup aspirations alive by causing a huge upset on Thursday night against an opponent that is fifth in the FIFA world rankings. They are currently third in the group but only a point behind second-placed Hungary with two matches still to play."
"Scenario 2: If Portugal were to draw its final two fixtures against Ireland and Armenia, they would also finish top of the Group F standings with 12 points from six matches. Scenario 3: If Portugal lose its final two matches against Ireland and Armenia, and Hungary which currently has five points wins its final two fixtures against Armenia and Ireland, then Hungary would move top of Group F with 11 points vs Portugal's 10"
Portugal can secure direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a win over Ireland in Dublin. Portugal leads Group F with 10 points from four matches and holds a five-point advantage. Ireland sit third with four points and remain one point behind second-placed Hungary, preserving a mathematical chance of qualification. Hungary currently has five points. A Portugal victory would make top spot unassailable with one match remaining. If Portugal draws both remaining fixtures they would finish top with 12 points. If Portugal lose both and Hungary wins both, Hungary would finish first with 11 points to Portugal's 10.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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