Can This Nation Salvage Their World Cup Hopes?

Can This Nation Salvage Their World Cup Hopes?

They do not need reminding that it has been 5 successive tournaments without achieving World Cup qualification. Heimir Hallgrimsson and the Republic of Ireland have a stiff task ahead if they wish to put an end to this trend. A make-or-break matchup against a formidable Portuguese outlet awaits - is there any light at the end of the tunnel for Ireland's World Cup hopes?

On the Back Foot

With an opportunity to make a statement on home soil, I suppose it is not ideal to go two nil down within 20 minutes in the qualification opener. Yet, the Irish faith was maintained, spurred on by the support of a sold-out Aviva Stadium, as Ireland were able to salvage a draw late on to the relief of the majority in the crowd.

Whilst Hungary are by no means starved of talent, the hosts had an opportunity to make a statement of intent, yet were left having to make amends in Armenia just days later. Or so they would've thought.

2-1 Armenia. Tough to stomach, completely lifeless stuff from Ireland

The dream of an American World Cup summer is all but over already

Where on Earth do we go from here? pic.twitter.com/2cF5B2usxZ

— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 9, 2025

It was a depressingly familiar old tale that seems to have been playing on repeat in recent years, as Ireland came up short against considerably weaker opposition. A side crying out for the quality once possessed in the hands of Denis Irwin, Roy Keane and Robbie Keane now looked as if its glory days had come and gone. It was now an uphill battle, as a trip to Lisbon would come with little expectation, whilst Hungary would have the opportunity to make amends for giving away a two-goal lead in Budapest.

Heartbreak and Hope in October

The second round of fixtures brought a combination of despair and encouragement as Ireland were narrowly defeated in Lisbon, courtesy of a stoppage-time winner by Ruben Neves. Brentford and Irish number one Caoimhin Kelleher had saved a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, and it seemed for all the world that Ireland would take a precious point back home before disaster struck late on. Though his country lost, Kelleher at least is building up a reputation from denying a few decent players from the spot.

Kelleher's last three penalty saves were against Mbappe, Bruno Fernandes and Ronaldo 😨 pic.twitter.com/Ovd3eVJ6vT

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 11, 2025

The Boys in Green were able to secure their first win of the campaign most recently in the reverse fixture against Armenia, courtesy of Evan Ferguson's third goal in four qualification games. Alongside Ferguson, fellow countryman and forward Troy Parrott is in sublime form for club AZ Alkmaar, and this firepower could give a reason for Ireland fans to be optimistic ahead of the penultimate qualification matches.

Belief in the Luck of the Irish

What must be recognised is that it is now faith rather than expectation for Ireland's World Cup hopes. Hallgrimsson's men will have to do something they have not managed in over 20 years, defeating a Portugal side that have all but qualified and have reason to believe they can lift the trophy for the very first time in the country's history.

Anything other than a win against Portugal and Hungary defeating Armenia means their fate is all but sealed, as the odds show not to be in their favour.

World Cup Qualifying Projections (Europe)

- Ireland at 3.6% chance of qualifying. Out if Hungary and Portugal win on Thursday

- England guaranteed a spot , Scotland and Wales sure of at least a playoff. N. Ireland exit without a playoff or topping group in just 2.3% of sims pic.twitter.com/4oHTJpjral

— Niall 🇵🇸 (@NiallWorthing67) November 10, 2025

Yet, there is reason to maintain the faith in Hallgrimsson's men, as nights at the Aviva have been shown to spring a number of surprises over the years.

Historic Irish Victories

If you are an Irishman looking for a bit of belief, look no further than the historic Shane Long strike against the reigning 2014 World Cup champions, Germany. The strike not only marked a first victory over the Germans in over 14 years but also effectively sealed their place in the Euro 2016 competition.

This was the setting for one of the greatest moments in modern Irish footballing history. With only a win enough to salvage qualification from the group and the Italians reinforced with plenty of footballing greats, up stepped Robbie Brady to slot past Buffon and send Ireland fans in France into pandemonium.

🇮🇪 Robbie Brady winner on this day at EURO 2016 against Italy... 😱@FAIreland | #OTD pic.twitter.com/jPcDb2ch4p

— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 22, 2022

How can Ireland still qualify?

As hard as it is to believe, Ireland's fate still remains in their own hands, yet they will need to be spotless.

Victories against Portugal and Hungary will leave Ireland on 10 points and secure their place in the FIFA playoff tournament, the best possible outcome, as the Portuguese sit top on 10 points as it stands with a far superior goal difference to the rest of the group.

In contrast, defeat on Thursday night and a Hungary victory against Armenia will end all Irish hope, and the 20-year wait for a World Cup finals appearance will continue.

Whilst there are several other outcomes that can play out in Group F, Ireland will be hoping to do it their own way in pursuit of a World Cup appearance again.

Ireland are just one point off the 2026 World Cup qualifying spots.

Can they pull it out of the bag this international break? 👀

18+ | https://t.co/fhHIzaZLvZ pic.twitter.com/L45aYPjDFl

— William Hill Ireland (@williamhillire) November 7, 2025