Potugal registered a 1-0 win over Ireland in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers between the sides on Sunday as Ruben Neves’ late-strike proved to be the difference between the teams.
Neves headed home in
stoppage time to give his side the win after Ronaldo had missed a spot kick in the 75th minute of the game at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
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Caoimhin Kelleher, who saved Ronaldo’s penalty aimed straight down the middle, celebrated with a punch of his right fist, while Ronaldo held his face in his hands.
Fans in Lisbon applauded in the 21st minute to honour Diogo Jota, who wore that jersey number for Portugal. The former Liverpool forward tragically died in a car accident in July, along with his brother. Rúben Neves, now wearing the No. 21, has a tattoo on his left calf in memory of his late friend.
Portugal’s late winner secured a third consecutive victory, giving them a five-point lead over second-placed Hungary in Group F.
In the group’s other match, Hungary defeated Armenia 2-0 with goals from Dániel Lukács and Zsombor Gruber.
Spain leads Group E with nine points after a third consecutive win without conceding a goal. Despite the absence of injured Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, Spain took the lead midway through the first half thanks to Yeremy Pino.
Midfielder Mikel Oyarzabal made it 2-0 with a free kick midway through the second half. Spain is three points ahead of Turkey, which won 6-1 in Bulgaria with two goals from Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz.
Albania’s 1-0 victory in Serbia moved them past the hosts into second place, four points behind England in Group K.
Striker Rey Manaj scored with a neat volley just before halftime and celebrated by making a nationalist symbol with his hands, resembling the double-headed eagle on Albania’s flag.
In Oslo, Haaland was the only Norwegian player to score, while Israel netted two own goals. Norway has won all six games and is six points ahead of second-placed Italy, boasting a goal difference of +26, with 29 goals scored and three conceded.
Haaland scored with an angled shot in the 27th minute, added a powerful header in the 63rd, and another header in the 72nd.
He also played a role in Norway’s third goal when his presence caused a mix-up between the goalkeeper and defender Dan Nachmias. An own goal by Israel’s Anan Khalaili had put Norway ahead after 18 minutes.
By the time Donnarumma dropped a routine catch from a left-wing cross, allowing Estonia’s Rauno Sappinen a tap-in, Italy was already in control.
Italy had taken an early lead through striker Moise Kean, who plays for Fiorentina in Serie A. However, Kean limped off with what appeared to be a right ankle injury.
Retegui scored just before halftime, and Inter Milan forward Pio Esposito converted Leonardo Spinazzola’s cross in the 74th minute, just before Donnarumma’s error.
