Ireland vs Portugal: World Cup qualifier – Ronaldo, team, start and lineups

Japan and Switzerland's economies have contracted, primarily due to the impact of US tariffs on exports. The European Commission has raised its growth forecast for the eurozone, citing better-than-expected economic performance in the first nine months of the year. This growth was driven by a surge in exports and strong investment in equipment and intangible assets, particularly in Ireland. The continued growth in the third quarter indicates resilience in the European economy despite challenges.

Portugal qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after recovering from a shock loss to Ireland, while Norway secured its spot for the first time since 1998. The qualification marks a significant achievement for both teams, showcasing their resilience and determination in the competitive landscape of international football. This event highlights the evolving dynamics of European football as teams strive for success on the world stage.

Norway has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a decisive 4-1 victory over Italy in their final qualifying match. This win not only secures Norway's place in the finals for the first time since 1998 but also leaves Italy facing the playoffs for the third consecutive time. Norway finished the qualifying campaign with a perfect record of eight wins, finishing six points ahead of Italy, who have missed the last two tournaments.

A tragic car crash in County Louth, Ireland, resulted in the deaths of five individuals in their early 20s and left three others injured. The incident occurred around 9 PM on Saturday near Dundalk. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, and Simon Harris has paid tribute to the first responders involved in the emergency efforts.

Troy Parrott's hat-trick, including a last-minute goal, propelled the Republic of Ireland to a World Cup playoff spot, defeating Hungary in a thrilling match. Parrott's performance followed his earlier two-goal contribution against Portugal, marking a significant week in his career. The match took place at Budapest's Puskas Arena, where the Irish fans celebrated while Hungary faced disappointment.

Thomas Tuchel, head coach of England, has expressed that he would prefer his team to lose their final World Cup qualifier against Albania rather than risk any players receiving red cards that could lead to suspensions in the upcoming tournament. This caution follows Cristiano Ronaldo's recent dismissal during a match against the Republic of Ireland, which may result in a two-game ban for the Portuguese star. Tuchel emphasizes the importance of discipline as England prepares for the match at the Air Albania Arena, having already secured their place in the World Cup.